Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie reflects on the state of his team and talks Mike Ditka’s legacy
The longtime Eagles owner discussed the impact Ditka left behind as a player, coach, and television analyst on CNN's The Lead with Jake Tapper.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie remembered Mike Ditka as one of football’s most iconic figures during a CNN interview Friday following the Chicago Bears legend’s death at 86 years old.
Lurie reflected on the legacy Ditka left behind as a player, coach, and television analyst on The Lead with Jake Tapper.
“I think he’s, you know, one of the iconic figures of the last several decades,” Lurie said. “I remember him as a boy, as a terrific tight end. I admired him as a coach.”
Ditka’s family announced his death Friday in a statement, saying, “While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.”
Ditka was the first tight end ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and became one of the NFL’s most recognizable coaches. He played six seasons for the Chicago Bears, two for the Eagles and four for the Dallas Cowboys during his career. He later led Chicago to a Super Bowl XX victory in 1985.
“High integrity, said what he felt, honest, and just an excellent motivator,” Lurie said about Ditka’s character. “And, you know, I think we’ll all miss Mike Ditka. There aren’t many Mike Ditkas going around every decade or every year. So, you know, sad day to lose Mike Ditka.”
Lurie also addressed the Eagles’ recent struggles, but said the organization’s expectations are still high. The Birds have lost two consecutive games and enter Week 5 at 2-2, raising concerns for many fans.
“We are gung-ho to win big and win our division first, and you know, go from there,” Lurie said. “So we couldn’t be more excited.”
