Packers Release Statement on Mike Ditka Passing Away at 86

Longtime NFL coach Mike Ditka passed away on Friday. 

The historic coach of the Chicago Bears was a fierce rival of the Green Bay Packers, understanding what the rivalry was all about. Ditka helped define the intensity of the rivalry while leading the Bears to a Super Bowl title in 1985.

After his passing, the Packers released a statement about Ditka, sending their condolences to his family, friends, and the Bears organization. There are many things above this rivalry, and something like this surpasses everything.

The two teams have a lot of respect for one another, despite the rivalry on the field. Green Bay wanted to make sure that the Ditka family and the Bears understood this with their statement.

Ditka was the Bears' head coach from 1982-1992, leading the team to its only title. During those years, Ditka faced off against the Packers many times, going 15-5 against Green Bay as the head coach of the Bears.

As a player, Ditka went 4-10 against the Packers. Ditka is seen as one of the better coaches from his era, posting a 121-95 record with the Bears and New Orleans Saints.

In the playoffs, Ditka led his teams to a record of 6-6. While his teams didn't see the most success in the postseason, he still was able to earn a Super Bowl title.

The NFL world will miss Ditka, and there may be moments of silence for him this coming weekend. The Packers and Bears will be playing one another this week, with each team holding Ditka in their memories.

The two sides will enter the game ready to make a statement, with each going in different directions. The Bears have won two games in a row entering this game, sitting with a record of 3-1 on the season.

Despite missing starting quarterback Caleb Williams, Chicago has been able to withstand the injury. 

As for the Packers, they come in at 2-2 on the season, looking to build off a win from last year. Green Bay has struggled out of the gate this year, but they will have an opportunity to get some revenge against the Bears this weekend.

Chicago eliminated the Packers from the playoffs a year ago, and the Packers understand what is at stake in this game. If Green Bay can come away with the win this weekend, it could create serious momentum for the team for the rest of the season.