Mike Ditka said any real or perceived acrimony between him and the Bears organization has been "swept under the carpet" following the formal retirement of his No. 89 jersey Monday night at Soldier Field.
"I never had any (animosity), really," Ditka said during a news conference following the on-field ceremony during halftime of the Bears-Cowboys game.
"I thought that (feud) was blown out of proportion, I really do. I mean, it was some hurt, but I was never really mad at anybody. I understood it, I got it. It is nice to have that all swept under the carpet or whatever you want to say. I have nothing but admiration and respect for what they are trying to do … the front office, the ownership"
Current Bears Chairman George McCaskey said he was pleased to extend a hand of reconciliation from the organization.
"It was my privilege to be able to ask him, and it was a thrill for me," McCaskey said Monday afternoon. "I think he appreciated the gesture. We certainly hope so.
"As Mike says himself, the last time we won it, he was the coach. And the last time we won it before that, he was a player. So nobody else besides George Halas can say that in Bears history. So it is perfectly appropriate."
Ditka appeared emotional as he recalled his career as a Hall of Fame tight end and then a Super Bowl champion coach.
"I saw Virginia (McCaskey) and she looks wonderful," Ditka said of the daughter of Bears founder George Halas. "I go back with her and (her late husband) Ed (McCaskey) to the beginning and I was a 22-year-old kid when I came to Chicago and met Mr. Halas. I was dazzled by that $12,000-a-year contract. I went out and bought a new car. I had it going."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell extended his congratulations and respect earlier on Monday.
"He is not only a great Hall of Famer and someone who continues to contribute back to the game of football, but he was one of those unique guys who could contribute on the field as a player and coach, and then continues to contribute to the game. I think it is a great recognition and well deserved."
Goodell appeared at an event Monday morning at Pulaski International Elementary School to help celebrate the fifth anniversary of the United States' largest in-school wellness program.
Former Bears linebacker Otis Wilson, a key member of the '85 Bears, lauded Ditka's qualities as a coach and motivator.
"I went through two (NFL) strikes — '82 and '87," Wilson said. "There were a lot of things said on both sides. But the one thing that has remained constant since Mike Ditka first came here … he said: 'We're going to the Super Bowl. Put a chip on your shoulder and we're going to win.' And that's what he was all about.
"I respect him for that and it came true. I kept saying: 'I am going to be one of those guys who is going to be here.' And he has been a consummate professional. I've got no problem with Mike Ditka. I mean, I had a chip on my shoulder when I played. I only wish the guys played like we did back in the day. But it's a different game now and Mike's getting his just due. I'm happy for him."
fmitchell@tribune.com
Twitter@kicker34
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