Imitation is considered a great form of flattery and, in the case of former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, it has become a tribute since his passing on Friday at the age of 86.
On Sunday when the Bears were playing the Packers, multiple fans showed up to the game wearing Ditka costumes.
In Green Bay.
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Multiple fans showed up wearing the classic 1980s-style Bears sweater, the Ditka-style mustaches (some of them fake), the sunglasses, and holding cigars in their mouths.
It wasn’t mockery.
It was a memoriam.
All this because that was the Ditka look everyone remembers, Saturday Night Live many times spoofed, and NFL films saluted.
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Before the game between the Packers and Bears, two teams that share a rivalry dating to 1921, the Packers showed their class by showing their opponents great respect in memory of Ditka.
With the University of Wisconsin band on the field at attention, the Packers remembered Ditka.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Green Bay Packers and the NFL community are saddened to learn of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the public address announcement echoed. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Chicago Bears organization.
“At this time please join in a moment of silence.”
That moment of silence came to an end with a round of applause from the crowd – a fan base that once upon a time wanted very badly to beat Ditka in what both franchises call the greatest rivalry of all time.
The New Orleans Saints, which Ditka coached from 1997-99, similarly held a moment of silence before their home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Bears players are wearing No. 89 helmet decals honoring Ditka’s retired Bears number on Sunday.
Bears coach Ben Johnson also reportedly showed the team a Ditka tribute video during a meeting Saturday night.
In Chicago, fans gathered at Ditka’s Oak Brook restaurant, and a local business organized Ditka trivia and signed-jersey giveaways.
All the networks broadcasting NFL games on Sunday have paid tribute to Ditka.
The Bears on Friday lowered their flag to half-staff at Halas Hall, displayed a memorial image outside Soldier Field and called Ditka’s impact “immeasurable.”
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Coach Ben Johnson said Ditka was “the gold standard” and that he felt humbled to occupy the same chair.
And all this is honorable and notable. But, to me, it is the fans dressing like Ditka who offer the most lasting and impressive tribute.
These people decide they are going to dress themselves, and sometimes their children, to look like Ditka. They might even join a group of friends who do the same. It takes effort to do that. It takes forethought and planning.
And it is all a statement of appreciation and admiration.
