NFL legend Mike Ditka’s family forced to issue health update after hospice rumors swirl
The NFL legend Mike Ditka’s family has provided an update on his health.
Last month, the three-time Super Bowl champion celebrated his 85th birthday.
However, concerning reports indicated that he had been transferred to a hospice and that his condition was deteriorating.
The family clarified in a statement that this is untrue, though.
To the Chicago Sun-Times, wife Diana stated: “My husband is NOT in a hospice.”
However, she did attest that caregivers are on hand to tend to the senior NFL player at their residence.
READ MORE ON NFL
Jarrett, the son of Walter Payton, even took to X to refute the startling web rumors.
“I’ve seen reports that Mike Ditka has entered hospice care,” he wrote.
“I can confirm that these reports are not true.”
In recent years, Ditka has experienced a number of health issues.
The Chicago Bears hero had a small stroke in 2012.
Iron Mike, a Hall of Famer, was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack six years later, but he was fortunate to survive.
Ditka acknowledged that he had returned to Chicago in the last few “days” after leaving the city for Florida four years prior to closing his eatery.
It is believed that the Ditkas have relocated to a new apartment in the same building where they previously resided.
Ditka, who led the Bears to their lone Super Bowl victory in 1986 while playing and coaching for the team, told the Chicago Sun-Times: “I’m finally home! I’m from this city. I adore it.
Chicago is my home and my life, even though I was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Pittsburgh. More than anything, it’s the people I miss.
Even though it was really cold when we stepped off the private plane at Midway airport a few nights ago, I can’t express how glad I am to be home at last.
Wife Diana continued: “We are just very glad to be home, even though the majority of our furniture has not yet arrived.
“Thank goodness we have the TV and back in the warmth of a city we call home.”
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!