'Tough Cookie': Trump caught off guard by Mike Ditka's death, pays tribute to legendary Bears coach

The death of legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has left the NFL community mourning, and President Donald Trump was visibly shocked when he first heard the news. Trump learned about Ditka's demise when reporters at the White House on Friday (October 9) broke the news to the president, and his instant reaction showed the admiration he had for the football icon. Describing Ditka as a 'tough cookie', the president remembered him as a winner, a loyal supporter and someone whose larger-than-life personality extended far beyond football.

TRUMP CAUGHT OFF GUARD BY MIKE DITKA'S DEATH

According to Fox News' OutKick, Trump was about to leave the White House for Syracuse, New York, when reporters informed him about Ditka's death. The president was accompanied by boxing legend Mike Tyson and New York Yankees president Randy Levine ahead of his trip.

Clearly surprised by the news, Trump responded: "Oh, he did? He was a great guy. He was with me all the way. He was tough," Trump said. "Mike Ditka - that's a sad one."

The president further reacted by recalling Ditka's competitive personality and political support.

"He was great. He was a big supporter of mine, and he was a winner. He was a tough cookie."

Ditka had publicly supported Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election and the instant reaction by Trump gave a glimpse of his relationship with the former Bears coach.

MIKE DITKA LEAVES BEHIND AN UNFORGETTABLE NFL LEGACY

Ditka passed away at the age of 86 after putting together an exceptional career as a Hall of Fame tight end and a championship-winning head coach. His family released a statement on Friday, recalling him as more than just a football icon but as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

His greatest success as a coach was achieved with the 1985 Chicago Bears, who went undefeated with an 18-1 record and won the Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots.

The playing career of Ditka was just as spectacular as well. Ditka was drafted into the Chicago team in 1961 and won Super Bowl VI along with the Dallas Cowboys while also earning five successive Pro Bowl selections. Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the year 1988.

Ditka had an immediate impact on his career when the Bears drafted him in fifth position in the 1961 draft. He had an exceptional rookie season which resulted in him earning the honor of Rookie of the Year and being the first tight end in history to gain over 1,000 yards in a single season. No Bears tight end has matched that milestone since.

He played six seasons in Chicago, two with Philadelphia Eagles and lastly, joined the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons. The achievements of Ditka on the field include his participation in the NFL championships won by Chicago Bears in 1963 and also in Super Bowl VI, with the Dallas Cowboys.

Apart from his championships, Ditka was associated with Chicago football because of his intimidating presence on the sidelines and hard-line approach. He was known to all Bears fans for who he really was, that is 'Iron Mike'.