“This is not about Mike Ditka. Football owes me nothing." FLASHBACK: Years before his death at 86, NFL legend Mike Ditka took his fight for retired players to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to help those struggling to receive disability benefits and support. “

“This is not about Mike Ditka. Football owes me nothing." FLASHBACK: Years before his death at 86, NFL legend Mike Ditka took his fight for retired players to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to help those struggling to receive disability benefits and support. “I owe my whole life to football,” Ditka told lawmakers, stressing that he wasn't fighting for himself, but for former players who sacrificed their bodies for the game. The Hall of Famer used his voice to champion the players who helped build the NFL and needed someone in their corner long after leaving the field. ▻