Ditka suffers heart attack

Mike Ditka suffered a heart attack last week and is recuperating in a Florida hospital, ESPN. com reported Saturday.

The 79-year-old is a Hall of Fame tight end and former head coach of the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

“Coach Ditka had a mild heart attack earlier this week,” Ditka’s agent, Steve Mandell, told ESPN.com on Saturday. “Doctors inserted a pacemaker, and he is doing much better. He appreciates the outpouring of support and expects to be home soon.

Ditka is a legendary figure in Chicago where, with flair and passion, he coached the Bears to their only Super Bowl win in 1985. He coached the franchise from 1982-92, posting a 106-62 (.631) record, which included six playoff wins. He coached the Saints from 1997-99 without success.

As a player, Ditka set the standard of the modern tight end from 1961-72 with the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, catching 427 passes for 43 touchdowns.