In 1999, he was ranked number 90 on The Sporting News's list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. The burden he has chosen not to shoulder falls instead on the rest of us, that weight just a little heavier for his cheap evasion. Regarding national anthem protests in the NFL, Ditka recently told a radio show, "I dont see all this, the social injustice that some of these people see. On January 28, 1969, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Dave McDaniels. Mike Ditka on the National Anthem Protests . Many of the players from that team, including Ditka, were drafted by assistant coach George Allen, a future Hall of Famer, who was then in charge of the Bears' drafts. Rising to fame from a blue-collar family in Pittsburgh as a uniquely resilient player in a uniquely punishing game, Ditka is what toughness looks like. Kneeling is, after all, a posture of submission. Ditka and Tom Flores are the only two people to win an NFL title as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. Michael Keller Ditka (born Michael Dyczko; October 18, 1939) is an American former football player, coach, and television commentator. Ours is an era marked by too many Chamberlains and too few Churchills. His father, a welder, was one of three brothers of a Polish[6] and Ukrainian[7] family in the coal-mining and steel-manufacturing area in Western Pennsylvania. "[75], One of Ditka's more controversial remarks came in October 2018 during a Bears/Vikings pregame show, when he said he did not believe that there was any oppression in America for the last 100 years: "There has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of. So few remaining. Kasneje je postal tudi trener NFL, kjer je treniral za Chicago Bears in New Orleans Saints. The 78-year-old Mike Ditka is the father of four children, sons Mark Ditka, Matt Ditka and Mike Ditka III and daughter Megan Ditka. The team doctor, Dr. John L Miller, took Mike and other players to Pitt games and encouraged them to play for Pitt. May 30, 2022, 8:23 amupdated May 30, 2022, 9:08 am He was named U.P.I. Mike Ditka. He married his first wife called Marge from 1961 to 1973. In Ditka's first season back in the league, he struggled early, as the Saints lost four of their first five games. About Mike Ditka Autographed Memorabilia & Collectibles. Published on July 27, 2020 Mike Ditka is 81 years old. It takes courage to place your career on the line for your country, to engage in a single galvanizing act of patriotism. Faced with a challenge to our national character, people who once imagined it cant happen here are watching their heroes fold. He startled opponent defenses with 56 catches for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns . Actor: Kicking & Screaming. Unfortunately, he didnt stop there. In 2020, Ditka became the owner of the X League, a women's tackle football league that was originally the Lingerie Football League. Ditka is also a member of the College and Pro Football . He received 1,076 as a rookie and recorded 12 touchdowns, both career-highs. He presented President Obama with a Chicago Bears jersey with the number 85 on it with "Obama" on the back of it. Education: Attended the University of Pittsburgh, 1958-1960. . In a September interview with a Dallas-based radio station, Ditka was critical of Kaepernick's protests, saying "I think it's a problem. Ditka looks like he just crawled out of Ditka. [46] During Super Bowl XLIV, Ditka (who was not in the original group) joined other members of the 1985 Chicago Bears in resurrecting the "Super Bowl Shuffle" in a Boost Mobile commercial. Mike Ditka is the kind of American icon we thought would save us in a crisis. "[75] In the same interview, Ditka was dismissive of social issues in America, saying "I don't see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on, I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunity now if they don't want to look for them then you can find problems with anything, but this is the land of opportunity because you can be anything you want to be if you work. Buddy Ryan left in 1986 to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. While Ditka still has that same ol charm, his appearance in the video has left some fans shocked and saddened. Pairings. Conferences. He was a three-sport athlete at Pitt, playing baseball (outfielder) and basketball (forward). Although the Bears had made the playoffs under Armstrong and his predecessor Jack Pardee, those were the only two winning seasons since Halas' retirement as coach, so he was looking for a coach who would bring the Bears back to prominence. Blinders Syndrome is often revealed during discussions of gender relations. In recent weeks, with sports returning, leagues, teams, and individual athletes have shown support for the social justice movement in a variety of ways. A member of both the College (1986) and the Pro (1988) Football Halls of Fame, he was UPI NFL Rookie of Year in 1961, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a six-time All-Pro tight end with the National Football League's Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. In 1968, he changed his jersey number back to his usual 89. Ditka played for the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 until 1960, where he also became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He apparently failed a field sobriety test, and breath tests indicated that his blood-alcohol content was around .19. Mike Ditka. Take our BS Quiz. Michael P. Ditka, 53, was arrested Saturday at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines on a charge of battery, according to the Chicago Tribune. We all know Mike Ditka. Mike Ditka played for the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles throughout his playing career, and after retiring from the game, he worked as a consultant. You can find it here if you don't know about him birthday or birthplace and other facts related to this. It was as the coach for the Chicago Bears where Ditka became a household name. He can sleep comfortably in this knowledge, because he has carefully avoided learning anything else, especially anything he might have discovered from the players protests. All of a sudden, its become a big deal now, about oppression. He has four children named Mark, Matt, Mike III, and Megan Ditka. The former Chicago Bears head coach made headlines recently when he shared his thoughts on athletes kneeling for the national anthem, and frankly, what he said should surprise no one. I have absolutely seen oppression in society in the last 100 years and I am completely intolerant of any discrimination. Out of respect our Premium subscribers, we don't spoil the winner in this cut down version of the film. If they dont like the country, they dont like our flag, get the hell out, Ditka said. In his first season, Ditka had 58 receptions, introducing a new dimension to a tight end position that had previously been dedicated to blocking. Early years. In 1964, he was second on the team with 75 receptions for 897 yards and five touchdowns. When asked if he was happy Ryan was gone, Ditka replied he was not happy, but "elated". D-III player kicked off . He is due in court on the DUI charge on May 11. Education: Attended the University of Pittsburgh, 1958-1960. . Big Ditka Energy shirt - Funny Mike Ditka tee - Chicago Bears coach - Da Bears - Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt. Mike Ditka's Personal Life, Age, Marital Status, and Wife As of 2019, Mike Ditka is 79 years old. When faced with claims of injustice regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, religious preference, immigration, other do you reflexively think or say any of the following: 1. [47], In the spring of 2007, Ditka worked alongside X Management and Geneva Hospitality to form Mike Ditka Resorts, currently consisting of two resorts in the Orlando, Florida, area. Ditka, Flores, Gary Kubiak, and Doug Pederson are also the only people in modern NFL history to win a championship as head coach of a team for which they played previously. If you're not in the parade, you watch the parade. If I take my 91 yr old mother out in public looking like that, its on me, not on her. Browse 492 mike ditka bears stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Mike Ditka Believes That Failing to Stop Barack Obama Was the Biggest Mistake He Ever Made. He is best known for playing as a tight end in some major NFL teams, which includes Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. In 2005, Ditka had a major role in the comedy Kicking & Screaming, playing himself; he was recruited by Will Ferrell's character to be an assistant little league soccer coach. Ditka coached the Chicago Bears for 11 years and New Orleans Saints for three years. I really do. As a player, he was a part of the winning team in the NFL in 1963. (2001). Almost immediately after his dismissal from the Bears in 1992, Ditka took a broadcasting job with NBC, working as an analyst on NFL Live and as a color commentator for many other NBC broadcasts. If you interpret absolutely everything that doesn't go your way as proof of bias, you may have the condition. I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunity. Apr 23, 2021, 3:10pm PST. So, all things considered, hes doing OK. Prosecutors, however, dropped the latest DUI charge in 2012 after a judge granted a motion from Ditkas attorney overturning his arrest and suppressing evidence. We didn't have anything, but we didn't need anything because we had a family. 2. The two types are "Hot Beef Polish Sausage" and "Chicken Sausage with Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomatoes". Former Bears coach Mike Ditka speaks at a screening of "The '85 Bears" documentary on Jan. 27, 2016, in Chicago. (Complete Story). He continued to play for the Bears for the next five years, earning a Pro Bowl trip each season. "The ones who want to achieve and win championships . "You are never a loser until you quit trying.". Thats the way I feel. Not yet. As a sophomore, he led the team with 18 receptions for 252 yards and averaged 42.5 yards per punt. "[60], From 1989 until 1997, Ditka lived in Bannockburn, Illinois. "There has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of.". Pocket. Additionally in 1964 they welcomed daughter Megan, Matt the youngest was born in 1966. [32] He replicated this role on the second game of the doubleheader in 2008, as well. Vincent performs in 20 different voices and sings the National Anthem regularly for the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Ditka regularly appears on Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 (WMVP-AM), often broadcasting on Thursday mornings from one of his eponymous restaurants along with ESPN 1000 mid-morning hosts Marc Silverman and Tom Waddle, a former Bears player under Ditka. In 2015, Ditka did several television ads for McDonald's. Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka watches his team play during the last home game of the 1985 regular season, Dec. 27, 1985. ProFootballHistory.com. And, unfortunately, its not a good look. DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting. Ditka has voiced his displeasure on athletes kneeling for years. Instead, these are the men whose nagging insecurities aretearing apart the country we love. He later married Diana in 1977 and he has four kids: Mark, Matt, Mike III, and Megan. [62], He is a practicing Roman Catholic[63] and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Since 1973, he has been married to his wife Diana Ditka. He had been drinking and watching a football game that upset him at the time. In the survey, men are likelier than women to say their companies have lots of female leaders, even when by any stretch of the imagination they do not. Mike is a successful American football coach, television commentator and former football player, and is particularly famous as he is the only person to have won a championship with the same team as both player and coach. Je najstarm srodencom z det svojich rodiov, Charlotte Ditka a Mike Ditka st. M troch srodencov; bratia David Ditka a Ashton a sestra Mary Ann Ditka. From Mike Ditka. 3. Take a look: I received the most important endorsement for me for Lake County Board. Associated Press. Offers. He is an actor, known for Kicking & Screaming (2005), Entourage (2004) and UP, Michigan! pic.twitter.com/lHaVvIJZIk Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) October 18, 2022 [52] The partnership stemmed from a 20-year friendship between Ditka and Bill Terlato and their shared love of sports and food and wine. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, and go Bears!" [71], In October 2011, Ditka and the 1985 team went to the White House after they did not attend in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. [13] Ditka ranks first among tight ends and fourth in Bears history with 4,503 yards, fifth in both receptions (316) and touchdown catches (34).[14]. I was focused on making them., Chicago Bulls take in the Eiffel Tower and Paris Fashion Week but their focus remains on Thursdays game against the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Sky will play a preseason game in Toronto the 1st-ever WNBA game in Canada, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Now maybe Im not watching it as carefully as other people. "All of a sudden, it's become a big deal now, about oppression," Ditka told the show's host, Jim Gray. 12. But the Hall of Famer hasnt ever been one short on opinion. Most people will write off his predictable bigotry the way we disregard the rants of a drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. He coached the 1985 Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX, the most dominant team in NFL history. Guys like Ditka have all the courage it takes to endure pain for our entertainment. All it takes is listening, finding the facts, working to understand the world beyond yourself. Good morning and happy birthday to Mike Ditka, born today in 1939 in Carnegie, PA He was an All-American at Pitt before a stellar pro career at tight end for the Bears. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. That move has upset former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka. The oldest child of Charlotte (Keller) and Mike Ditka Sr. he grew up in nearby Aliquippa with siblings Ashton, David, and Mary Ann. [38] He is also a large topic in books written about the Bears as a team such as Then Ditka said to Payton[39] and Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football. Ditka has stated that one of his biggest regrets in life was not letting Walter Payton score a touchdown in the Super Bowl, instead opting for Jim McMahon to run it in twice and rookie defensive tackle William "The Refrigerator" Perry to run it in once. Mike Ditka during Mike Ditka and Tony Dorset Appear on "Fox & Friends" - September 14, 2004 at Fox Studios in New York City, New York, United States. In 1963, he led the team with 59 catches for 794 yards and eight touchdowns. Michael Keller Ditka (born Michael Dyczko on October 18, 1939) is a former American football player, coach, and television commentator. In 1971, he was a backup player behind Billy Truax, appearing in 14 games with four starts. As a senior, he was named a team captain, while leading the team with 11 receptions for 229 yards and two receiving touchdowns. NAPLES, Fla. The great old Bear has been wounded again, it's true, but don't go thinking he's ready for the big football field in the sky. They have four children. What does courage look like in a situation like this? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. As the season wore on, Ditka's frustrations began showing in the local media. He appeared in 14 games, while tallying eight receptions for 98 yards and no touchdowns. Obrazovanje: Sveuilite u Pittsburghu 19581960: Nagrade: Koled nogometnih dvorana slavnih: Michael Dyczko je bivi igra amerikog nogometa, trener i televizijski komentator. 4. Ditka coached the Chicago Bears for 11 years and New Orleans Saints for three years. This proved to be Ditka's final victory as a head coach; after a 4513 loss to the Panthers the following week left the Saints with a 313 record and their seventh consecutive nonwinning season, Ditka and general manager Bill Kuharich were fired on January 6, 2000. Yes (Mark Ditka, Megan Ditka, Matt Ditka, Mike Ditka III) Income -Net Worths: $45 million: Mike Ditka Age and birth place. Ditka and Tom Flores are the only people to win an NFL title as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. When asked if he believed the team quit on him, Ditka said that he did not believe that, that it was his responsibility to have the team ready to play, and that he had "failed" in that role. Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka is recovering in a Florida hospital after suffering a heart attack earlier this week. His expression could not have been less intrusive, more respectful or more considerate. He also averaged 38.3 yards per punt. She loves God, her husband, and all things Michigan State. Some athletes have opted to remain kneeling when the anthem is played. He said much worse. In some cases, teams have worn shirts with messages like Black Lives Matter. In other instances, such as baseball, athletes have joined together and kneeled during a special moment of reflection before the national anthem. [54] These cigars are named to highlight the milestones of Coach Ditka's football career: "The Player", The Coach", and "The Hall of Famer". [30], The 1999 season proved to be the worst of Ditka's coaching career. He was arrested at least three previous times for driving under the influence. Vote David Spada For Lake County Board 2nd District pic.twitter.com/QFXfmOlgsq, David Spada (@spadaonsports) May 27, 2022. Education: Attended the University of Pittsburgh, 1958-1960. . Although the flame of Mike and Marge's love could not last for long, the lovers blessed their relationship with their parenthood. Success is never permanent, and failure is never final. While working with the Cowboys, Ditka sent a letter to George Halas, his former head coach, who was still owner of the Bears. He was arrested at least three previous times for driving under the influence. Megan Ditka, Matt Ditka, Mike Ditka III) Dating/Girlfriend (Name) N/A: Profession: American former football player, coach, and television commentator: Net Worth in 2022: $45 million . But the Hall of Famer hasn't ever been one short on opinion. Ditka's first wife was a woman named Marge and they were married from 1961-1973. I think he understands that and I think he's good people." Ditka will just be one more American coward, one more person who, faced with the moral challenge of our era, shirked and skittered away. Grapes. Some would later question if Ditka "jinxed" the Packers, as their six-game undefeated streak halted to a three-game losing streak during the airing of the commercials (including a loss to the Bears on Thanksgiving, which was part of a three-game winning streak they were enjoying at the time). Bio: Mike Ditka (born Michael Dyczko on October 18, 1939) is a former football player, a coach and TV commentator. Mike Ditka. During the season, against the Los Angeles Rams, Ditka tied Harlon Hill's franchise record for the most receiving touchdowns in a game with four. While Ditka still has that same ol' charm, his appearance in the video has left some fans shocked and saddened. Thats because weve been down this road before. Being born on 18 October 1939, Mike Ditka is 83 years old as of today's date 15th January 2023. In the midst of a successful 1988 season, he suffered a heart attack, but bounced back quickly. It doesnt look like Mike Ditka. During the 1985 season, he was arrested on Interstate 294 near O'Hare International Airport and later convicted of DUI after returning from a game against the San Francisco 49ers. Ditka has since regretted not running. A year later, as the protests have spread, the president himself called out the protesters as sons of bitches and white fans are burning their team jerseys. [24] Specifically, Ditka said, "Give me three years, and if you walk with me, we'll get to the dance."[25]. I think its a problem. Ditka appeared in several ads for Montgomery Ward in the early 1990s, promoting their electronics and appliances department, known as Electric Avenue. Despite his many accomplishments on the field, his comments in recent years have severely tarnished that legacy and will be lasting memories of the coach long after he is gone. The keys werent even in the ignition.". For Gods sake someone couldve run a comb through his hair and helped him put on a new shirt. And there was considerable feedback. Take a look at this montage of classic Ditka and remember da king of da Bears: Cortney Weil has a PhD in Shakespearean drama but now spends her days reading and writing about her first passion: sports. Anybody who disrespects this country and the flag. Ditka and Vincent also own a record label together. One of the central ethics of white America is the notion that good people dont talk about race. Under head coach Press Maravich, Ditka was a three-sport star at Aliquippa High School. 1989 - Founds the Mike Ditka Foundation, . Ditka spent nine seasons as an assistant coach with the Cowboys. Marge Ditka is famous for being the first wife of a legendary football coach known as Mike Ditka. Men are also more inclined to say that gender diversity isn't a priority for them. It takes a lot to knock Mike . Shortly after his hiring, as recounted by Mike Singletary in 2006, Ditka called a team meeting. He has been married to Diana Trantham since 8 July 1977. If it's not a problem for me, it's not a problem! According to the medical examiner, Ditka died of natural causes, but she'll have to report it to the local authorities as a Covid death if she wants her salary next month. N.F.L. Ditka was married to his first wife, Marge from 1961 to 1973. BS can be cured. Ditka served as color commentator for ESPN's September 10, 2007, broadcast of Monday Night Football, alongside Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic. Ditka is the only person to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears' league championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985. Mike Ditka Full Name: Michael Keller Ditka Birth Date: October 18, 1939 Birth Place: Carnegie, Pennsylvania Education: University of Pittsburgh Occupation: Football Player, Coach, Commentator Spouse (s): Marge Ditka (1961-1973), Diana Ditka (m. 1977) Height: 6 feet 2 inches Net Worth: $30 Million Religion: Not Known Zodiac Sign: Libra He was 83. The Bears rallied to win a weak Central Division in 1990 and make the playoffs as a wild card in 1991, but were eliminated convincingly in the early rounds. Niall Updated On November 1, 2022. Iron Mike Ditka is an NFL professional football legend that played for the Chicago Bears & Dallas Cowboys in the 1960's. Ditka was the first Tight End elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I mean, I don't see all this, the social injustice that some of these people see. He was named to the NFL's 75th- and 100th-Anniversary All-Time Teams. In 1995, Ditka starred as a football coach in a full-motion video game called Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka, released for the Sega Saturn, PC, and 3DO. Mike Ditka was born Michael Dyczko in Carnegie, Pennsylvania on October 18, 1939. Mark Ditka, son of Mike, is currently awaiting trial in Lake County, Illinois for his fourth DUI arrest, and for possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone) turned up during the ensuing. Ditka chose to give the start to Jake Delhomme, his third-string quarterback. Help prevent a BS epidemic. [21] Pettis Norman ended up being named the starting tight end, but Ditka still was able to play in 12 games with four starts, while making 17 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Regions. Later in the day, Ditka reported he was feeling "good right now and it's not a big deal. The oldest child of Charlotte (Keller) and Mike Ditka Sr.[4] he grew up in nearby Aliquippa[5] with siblings Ashton, David, and Mary Ann. Things are way better than they used to be! The Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl, losing 1316 against the Baltimore Colts, by way of a field goal scored with five seconds left in regulation time. Probably none. [Mike Ditka: 'No oppression in last 100 years' ], [Mike Ditka: 'Malcontents' should hold off anthem protests on 9/11 ], Former Bears coach Mike Ditka speaks at a screening of "The '85 Bears" documentary on Jan. 27, 2016, in Chicago. Something about that gesture has inspired an unholy terror in a certain corner of the American psyche, a fear so powerful that many cannot bring themselves to engage withits message on any level or tolerate anyone who will. The younger Ditka is expected to appear in Cook County court next month. 1989 - Founds the Mike Ditka Foundation, . ", BS is often characterized by self-referential nostalgia and BS experts detected several key signs in Ditka's remarks, notably the phrases "I'm getting old" and "That was a good time in America.". Seventy percent of Republican men said no. Now, if they dont want to look for them, then you can find problems with anything, but this is the land of opportunity because you can be anything you want to be if you work. "If God wanted us to play soccer, he would've given only 1 in 11 people arms.". Ditka is also the only individual in modern NFL history to . Mike Ditka, byname of Michael Keller Ditka, also called Iron Mike, (born October 18, 1939, Carnegie, Pennsylvania, U.S.), American gridiron football player and head coach. In 1991, Ditka cooperated with Accolade to produce the computer game Mike Ditka Ultimate Football and the Sega Mega Drive game Mike Ditka Power Football. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune). [55], In 2013, Ditka and Vienna Beef partnered to create Ditka Sausages, which will be eight inches long and one-third pound in weight. Instead, these are the men whose nagging insecurities are tearing apart the country we love. I think the opportunity is there for everybody. They dropped their last three, though, and were eliminated in week 16 on a last-second field goal against the Arizona Cardinals. After two more losses, Ditka and the Saints faced the 77 Cowboys in their home finale on Christmas Eve. 1973.) Dont misread last sentence as an admission of ignorance. I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and never got any favors. Mike Ditka. He started on the football team all three seasons, leading the team in receiving in each, while also serving as a linebacker, defensive end, and punter. And thats fine with him. Other Facts. The next year, he posted 36 receptions (second on the team), 454 receiving yards (third on the team), and two receiving touchdowns (tied for fourth on the team). Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace. player, coach, and T.V. [61], From 1997 until 2001, Ditka lived in an area of New Orleans known as English Turn. $67.99 $147.99. Under the network's new social media policy (implemented in late 2017 in the wake of Curt Schilling's firing and Jemele Hill's suspension),[74] Ditka is to refrain from making controversial statements, but made a series of remarks in late 2017 that drew widespread criticism. He was seen wearing a Green Bay Packers sweater vest. He had one touchdown reception (tied for second on the team). Ditka performed "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field in 1998, the first season after the death of Harry Caray, who had previously led the song. [14] Ditka also scored two touchdowns on offensive fumble recoveries, tying seven other players for the most in NFL history. Mike Ditka. Regarding national anthem protests in the NFL, Ditka recently told a radio show, "I dont see all this, the social injustice that some of these people see." That was a good time in America. When a famous person utters poisonous nonsense, it is likely to infect others. Ditka's team played more inconsistently in 1998, as the Saints started out 30, but could not keep the momentum going. However, despite being expected to miss much of the season, Ditka was on the sidelines as an "advisor" the next week and back in full charge the week after. [7] Ditka attended St. Titus School. By his third season, Ditka led the Bears to the NFC Championship Game, where the Bears were shut out by the eventual Super Bowl-winning 49ers in San Francisco. As a head coach for the Bears from 1982 to 1992, he was twice both the AP and UPI NFL Coach of Year (1985 and 1988). Mike Ditka began his career as an NFL player when the American football team 'The Chicago Bears' hired him to play in the fifth position on their team. [11] In 1997, his 89 jersey number was retired by the University of Pittsburgh at halftime of the game against the University of Miami.
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