There have been a lot of NFL rumors about the legendary player and coach Mike Ditka surrounding his health. It started on Monday when the rumors were flying that the Hall of Famer was in hospice care. Those rumors have now been shot down quickly by multiple people close to the situation, but fans are still sending their prayers to the legend.
Ditka is a beloved legend in the NFL and for the Chicago Bears, and it makes sense why generations of fans are taking to social media to share their joy that the rumors are not true, and to send their prayers.
NFL Fans Are All Sending Prayers To Mike Ditka

The rumors that Ditka was in hospice care were quickly turned down by both his long-time wife and the legendary running back Walter Payton’s son:
“I’ve seen reports claiming that Mike Ditka has entered hospice care. I can confirm that these reports are not true,” Jarrett Payton wrote.
On Tuesday, Ditka’s longtime wife, Diana, told the Chicago Sun-Times that her husband has returned to the Windy City. “But my husband is NOT in hospice,” Diana told the newspaper.
I’ve seen reports claiming that Mike Ditka has entered hospice care. I can confirm that these reports are not true. #Bears #NFL
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) November 25, 2024
NFL fans were very thankful that the rumors ended being false according to these two reports, but many of them are also sending their prayers:
“People honestly thought the grim reaper can take on Coach Ditka?” one fan wrote.
“Why people would report such a thing is beyond me,” one fan added.
“Thanks for the update. I was sad to see that claim this morning,” one fan added.
“I certainly hope that it isn’t so. Much respect for coach Ditka,” one fan added.
Even though Ditka is not in hospice care, there are many caretakers who have been present in his home for quite some time now. The legendary coach and player is now 85 years old, and he sustained tons of injuries during his time as a player. He has dealt with a ton of illnesses during his life, and even though the rumors turned out to be false, fans are still hoping that Ditka will be ok:
“Mike Ditka’s career is marked by his significant contributions to football, both as a player and coach, making him one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. More Importantly Chicago Bear history, let’s keep coach in our prayers! -George,” one fan wrote.
“Keeping Coach Ditka and his family in my prayers,” one fan added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and the family,” one fan added.
“Prayers up for Coach and Iron Mike Ditka..” one fan added.
Ditka’s resume in the NFL would take pages to write, as he is one of the most beloved players and coaches in league history. As a player, he was a 5x All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion. He added two more Super Bowls as a head coach and a two-time NFL coach of the year. From all of us at Gridiron, we hope that Ditka will have plenty of years left.
We send our thoughts to him and his family as he is now in the later stages of his life.
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