Bears honor Mike Ditka at first home game since his death

The Chicago Bears honored Mike Ditka before their first home game since his death, holding a moment of silence before kickoff and distributing fake mustaches to fans at Soldier Field on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The game against the New England Patriots was the Bears’ first at home since Ditka died on October 9 at age 86. Fans wore the mustaches, a nod to the former player and coach’s recognizable look. The team had said every attendee would receive one. The Bears also announced a broader tribute program. Players wore No. 89 jersey patches, which the team said would remain in place for the rest of the season. Ditka wore No. 89 as a player, and the Bears retired the number in 2013. The team had planned to unveil an on-field stencil honoring Ditka and to display memorabilia at Soldier Field. Its announced plans also included sweater-inspired headbands for the first 10,000 attendees. These elements were described as plans; the account from the game confirmed the moment of silence and mustaches but did not establish whether the stencil, display or headband giveaway took place. The matchup linked the tribute to Ditka’s coaching legacy. He led the Bears to their Super Bowl XX...