BR AU FR DE UK CA US
  •   
  •   
  •   

Sport NFL world mourns the loss of Don Shula

18:26  04 may  2020
18:26  04 may  2020 Source:   yardbarker.com

2020 NFL Draft: Trent Williams, Yannick Ngakoue among 17 veterans who could be traded on draft day

2020 NFL Draft: Trent Williams, Yannick Ngakoue among 17 veterans who could be traded on draft day A look at some notable names who could be on the move during the 2020 draftWhile blockbuster swaps are the exception more than the rule when it comes to draft-day deals, there are no shortage of veterans who could be on the move while teams are on the clock.

The NFL lost one of its greatest icons on Monday when legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula passed away at the age of 90.

Don Shula et al. standing in front of a crowd © Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Shula, who began his NFL career as a player in 1951 with the Cleveland Browns, would only play in the league until 1957. However, he made his mark and forever left an impact on the NFL with his work as a head coach.

After taking over the Miami Dolphins in 1970, previously serving as the Baltimore Colts head coach, Shula built the team into one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.

Bengals reject Dolphins' offer for No. 1 pick

Bengals reject Dolphins' offer for No. 1 pick Krause went missing from her Mennonite community in January. Her body was later found near Flagstaff. An airman was arrested in the murder.

Just two years after taking over, Shula’s Dolphins achieved perfection with the only undefeated season in NFL history on their way to a Super Bowl title. Shula would win two Super Bowls with the Dolphins, an NFL championship with the Colts in 1968 and holds the all-time record for wins by a head coach (347).

On this tragic day of great loss, the NFL world honored Shula and took a moment to remember his incredible legacy.

Subscribe to Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the most comprehensive newsletter in sports. Customize your email to get the latest news on your favorite sports, teams and schools. Emailed daily. Always free! Sign up now ▸

More must-reads:

  • 12 NFL teams that deserve 'The Last Dance' treatment
  • Tim Tebow gushes about Tua Tagovailoa, offers advice for Dolphins
  • The 'Miami Dolphins head coaches' quiz

Related slideshow: Mike Ditka: Career retrospective (Provided by Yardbarker)

  • Slide 1 of 21: Mike Ditka, the man known as
    1/21 SLIDES © Bettmann / Contributor

    Mike Ditka: Career retrospective

    Mike Ditka, the man known as "Iron Mike" or "Da Coach," turns 80 this month. He's one of the most beloved sports personalities that the city of Chicago has ever seen. He was not from Chicago but won a championship with the Bears as a player and guided them to their only Super Bowl title as a coach.Here's a look at the life  — on and off the football field — of the legendary Mike Ditka. Bettmann / Contributor
  • Slide 2 of 21: Born Michael Dyczko on Oct. 18, 1939, in the town of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Ditka grew up in nearby Aliquippa where he was a three-sport high school star. Initially Ditka wanted to become a dentist, so he attended the University of Pittsburgh, thanks to a football scholarship. He reportedly was also recruited by Notre Dame and Penn State. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
    2/21 SLIDES © Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

    Steeltown soul

    Born Michael Dyczko on Oct. 18, 1939, in the town of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Ditka grew up in nearby Aliquippa where he was a three-sport high school star. Initially Ditka wanted to become a dentist, so he attended the University of Pittsburgh, thanks to a football scholarship. He reportedly was also recruited by Notre Dame and Penn State. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
  • Slide 3 of 21: While at Pitt from 1958-60, Ditka also played baseball and basketball. However, it was obvious he had what it took to make a serious living on the gridiron. In addition to becoming one of the top receiving tight ends in the nation during his collegiate tenure, the All-American also played on the Panthers defensive line and did some punting.   Fred Roe/Getty Images
    3/21 SLIDES © Fred Roe/Getty Images

    Prized Panther

    While at Pitt from 1958-60, Ditka also played baseball and basketball. However, it was obvious he had what it took to make a serious living on the gridiron. In addition to becoming one of the top receiving tight ends in the nation during his collegiate tenure, the All-American also played on the Panthers defensive line and did some punting. Fred Roe/Getty Images
  • Slide 4 of 21: Following his stellar career at Pitt, Ditka was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1961 NFL Draft. He was also taken with the eighth overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1961 AFL Draft. Choosing to sign with Chicago, the crew-cut-haired tight end made an immediate impact, catching 56 passes with career highs of 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to becoming the NFL Rookie of the Year. Diamond Images/Getty Images
    4/21 SLIDES © Diamond Images/Getty Images

    Off to the Windy City

    Following his stellar career at Pitt, Ditka was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1961 NFL Draft. He was also taken with the eighth overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1961 AFL Draft. Choosing to sign with Chicago, the crew-cut-haired tight end made an immediate impact, catching 56 passes with career highs of 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to becoming the NFL Rookie of the Year. Diamond Images/Getty Images
  • NFL world mourns the loss of Don Shula
    Driving less? Then pay less on your car insurance
    Ad Microsoft
    Slideshow continues on the next slide

    Born to be a Bear

    Ditka played six seasons with the Bears (1961-66). He helped the team win the 1963 NFL championship, was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time, First-Team All-Pro. However, Ditka's relationship with legendary team owner/head coach George Halas was deteriorating prior to his final season, mostly due to the star tight end's contract status. Ditka famously said of Halas: ''He throws nickels around like they were manhole covers.'' His days as a player in Chicago were done. Bettmann/CORBIS/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
  • Slide 5 of 21: Ditka played six seasons with the Bears (1961-66). He helped the team win the 1963 NFL championship, was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time, First-Team All-Pro. However, Ditka's relationship with legendary team owner/head coach George Halas was deteriorating prior to his final season, mostly due to the star tight end's contract status. Ditka famously said of Halas: ''He throws nickels around like they were manhole covers.'' His days as a player in Chicago were done. Bettmann/CORBIS/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
    5/21 SLIDES © Bettmann/CORBIS/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

    Time to move on

    in 1967, Halas traded Ditka to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent two rather uneventful seasons. Then it was off to Dallas, where Ditka played four years, caught 30 passes in 1971 and a touchdown pass during the Cowboys' victory over Miami in Super Bowl VI — making him the only head coach in NFL history to also score a TD in the Super Bowl. Nate Fine/Getty Images
  • Slide 6 of 21: in 1967, Halas traded Ditka to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent two rather uneventful seasons. Then it was off to Dallas, where Ditka played four years, caught 30 passes in 1971 and a touchdown pass during the Cowboys' victory over Miami in Super Bowl VI — making him the only head coach in NFL history to also score a TD in the Super Bowl. Nate Fine/Getty Images
    6/21 SLIDES © Nate Fine/Getty Images

    Closing one door to open another

    When Ditka retired after the 1972 season, he totaled 427 receptions for 5,812 yards with 43 touchdowns during his 12-year NFL career. However, he was not through with the NFL. Following his retirement, Ditka earned an assistant coaching gig on Tom Landry's staff in Dallas. He remained on the Cowboys staff as tight end and special teams coach and was part of the team's Super Bowl XII victory. James Flores/Getty Images
  • Slide 7 of 21: When Ditka retired after the 1972 season, he totaled 427 receptions for 5,812 yards with 43 touchdowns during his 12-year NFL career. However, he was not through with the NFL. Following his retirement, Ditka earned an assistant coaching gig on Tom Landry's staff in Dallas. He remained on the Cowboys staff as tight end and special teams coach and was part of the team's Super Bowl XII victory. James Flores/Getty Images
    7/21 SLIDES © James Flores/Getty Images

    Once a Bear, always a Bear

    Despite the way Ditka left Chicago, the Bears had a special spot in his heart. He respected the tradition and felt he had some unfinished business with the organization. So in a rather bold move, Ditka sent Halas a letter basically saying he would like to return to the franchise as its head coach. The time was obviously right for a return, as the Bears toiled during a 6-10 1981 season, coach Neill Armstrong was fired and Halas decided to give Ditka another chance — in the role Ditka was meant to fill. James Flores/Getty Images
  • Slide 8 of 21: Despite the way Ditka left Chicago, the Bears had a special spot in his heart. He respected the tradition and felt he had some unfinished business with the organization. So in a rather bold move, Ditka sent Halas a letter basically saying he would like to return to the franchise as its head coach. The time was obviously right for a return, as the Bears toiled during a 6-10 1981 season, coach Neill Armstrong was fired and Halas decided to give Ditka another chance — in the role Ditka was meant to fill. James Flores/Getty Images
    8/21 SLIDES © James Flores/Getty Images

    The road to greatness

    Ditka was hired as the Bears head coach in January 1982, a move that was rather stunning because he was a serious under-the-radar selection. Though the team went 3-6 during his strike-shortened first season, Ditka was laying the groundwork for success through his players and own attitude. He would yell and scream but expected the very best from his team. If not, the players wouldn't be around long. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
  • Slide 9 of 21: Ditka was hired as the Bears head coach in January 1982, a move that was rather stunning because he was a serious under-the-radar selection. Though the team went 3-6 during his strike-shortened first season, Ditka was laying the groundwork for success through his players and own attitude. He would yell and scream but expected the very best from his team. If not, the players wouldn't be around long. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
    9/21 SLIDES © Focus on Sport/Getty Images

    Return of the Monsters

    Ditka's success in Chicago was not a one-man project. Though his relationship with beloved defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan was contentious at best, the Bears were in the midst of building something special. Thanks to a hungry, hard-hitting defense, the great Walter Payton running the ball and punky, yet intelligent, quarterback Jim McMahon, Chicago won the NFC Central Division and reached the conference championship game in 1984. Bill Smith/Getty Images
  • NFL world mourns the loss of Don Shula
    Stream Disney+ free for 7 days
    Ad Microsoft
    Slideshow continues on the next slide

    Simply super

    With Ryan guiding one of the best defenses in the NFL history and Ditka overseeing the dominance, the Bears went 15-1 during the 1985 regular season and capped that magical run with a 46-10 rout of New England in Super Bowl XX. In a somewhat unusual scene, both Ditka and Ryan were carried off the field by Bears players following the Super Bowl victory. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
  • Slide 10 of 21: Ditka's success in Chicago was not a one-man project. Though his relationship with beloved defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan was contentious at best, the Bears were in the midst of building something special. Thanks to a hungry, hard-hitting defense, the great Walter Payton running the ball and punky, yet intelligent, quarterback Jim McMahon, Chicago won the NFC Central Division and reached the conference championship game in 1984. Bill Smith/Getty Images
    10/21 SLIDES © Bill Smith/Getty Images

    Call from the Hall

    While still guiding the Bears as one of the NFL's most successful coaches, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. His friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich introduced Ditka, who spoke about excellence in the game of football and in life — the same thing he expected from himself in just about everything he did. Win McNamee/Getty Images
  • Slide 11 of 21: With Ryan guiding one of the best defenses in the NFL history and Ditka overseeing the dominance, the Bears went 15-1 during the 1985 regular season and capped that magical run with a 46-10 rout of New England in Super Bowl XX. In a somewhat unusual scene, both Ditka and Ryan were carried off the field by Bears players following the Super Bowl victory.  Focus on Sport/Getty Images
    11/21 SLIDES © Focus on Sport/Getty Images

    Can't keep the man down

    As it turned out, 1988 was quite the eventful year for Ditka. After being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he suffered a mild heart attack in November of the same year. In true "Iron Mike" fashion, he was back coaching less than two weeks later. The Bears went 12-4, beat Ryan and the Philadelphia Eagles in the infamous "Fog Bowl" and Ditka was named the NFL Coach of the Year for a second time. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
  • Slide 12 of 21: While still guiding the Bears as one of the NFL's most successful coaches, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. His friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich introduced Ditka, who spoke about excellence in the game of football and in life — the same thing he expected from himself in just about everything he did. Win McNamee/Getty Images
    12/21 SLIDES © Win McNamee/Getty Images

    Should have been better

    It seemed Chicago would be set up for a dynasty, thanks to that caliber of a defense. However, a team as visible off the field as on might have gotten too caught up in its own success, including Ditka, who was all over television on non-game days. The Bears went 37-10 and won three more division titles from 1986-88 but made the NFC championship just once. Injuries, especially at quarterback, and player movement and retirements contributed to the Bears inability to return to their Super Bowl glory of 1985. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
  • Slide 13 of 21: As it turned out, 1988 was quite the eventful year for Ditka. After being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he suffered a mild heart attack in November of the same year. In true
    13/21 SLIDES © Focus on Sport/Getty Images

    End of a coaching era - for now

    After going 11-5 in both 1990 and '91, the Bears bottomed out with a 5-11 mark in 1992. In a move that was not surprising but still somewhat surreal and covered by Chicago media at the level of a dignitary's funeral, Ditka was fired following that season. He ended his coaching career with the Bears 106-62 — the second-most wins in team history behind Halas. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
  • Slide 14 of 21: It seemed Chicago would be set up for a dynasty, thanks to that caliber of a defense. However, a team as visible off the field as on might have gotten too caught up in its own success, including Ditka, who was all over television on non-game days. The Bears went 37-10 and won three more division titles from 1986-88 but made the NFC championship just once. Injuries, especially at quarterback, and player movement and retirements contributed to the Bears inability to return to their Super Bowl glory of 1985. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
    14/21 SLIDES © Focus on Sport/Getty Images

    Time to do some talking

    After being dumped by the Bears, Ditka remained in the public eye. He worked as an NFL analyst and color commentator for television. It would be a job Ditka continued through his post-coaching career, a head-coaching run that did not end in Chicago. In 1997, Ditka was hired to coach the New Orleans Saints where the hits just kept coming. Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
  • NFL world mourns the loss of Don Shula
    Legal loopholes to maximize Social Security benefits
    Ad Microsoft
    Slideshow continues on the next slide

    Back in the saddle again

    Ditka went a dismal 15-33 during his three seasons coaching the Saints. But man, did he make headlines and keep the franchise in the news. In one of the strangest and most irrational moves in NFL history, Ditka traded all of New Orleans' 1999 draft picks, plus a first-round selection the next year, to Washington to move up and select Texas running back Ricky Williams with No. 1 overall choice. Who can forget the cover of ESPN The Magazine of the two, with Williams in a wedding dress. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
  • Slide 15 of 21: After going 11-5 in both 1990 and '91, the Bears bottomed out with a 5-11 mark in 1992. In a move that was not surprising but still somewhat surreal and covered by Chicago media at the level of a dignitary's funeral, Ditka was fired following that season. He ended his coaching career with the Bears 106-62 — the second-most wins in team history behind Halas.  Focus on Sport/Getty Images
    15/21 SLIDES © Focus on Sport/Getty Images

    Tough times in the Big Easy

    The whole Williams' draft saga backfired on Ditka and the Saints. They went 3-13 in 1999, and Ditka was often curt and volatile toward the media. At one point following a loss during that season, Ditka said the team deserved better and that "he didn't have it anymore." As expected, Ditka was fired following the season. He would never coach again. RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images
  • Slide 16 of 21: After being dumped by the Bears, Ditka remained in the public eye. He worked as an NFL analyst and color commentator for television. It would be a job Ditka continued through his post-coaching career, a head-coaching run that did not end in Chicago. In 1997, Ditka was hired to coach the New Orleans Saints where the hits just kept coming. Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
    16/21 SLIDES © Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

    Man of all media

    As was the case after being let go by the Bears, Ditka again returned to TV as a studio analyst and branched out to radio as well. To this day, Ditka remains a popular figure both in Chicago and nationally, thanks to his outgoing personality, goofy antics and opinions on football — and any subject for that matter. He's also made several appearances in television and film. Jerome Davis/Icon Sportswire
  • Slide 17 of 21: Ditka went a dismal 15-33 during his three seasons coaching the Saints. But man, did he make headlines and keep the franchise in the news. In one of the strangest and most irrational moves in NFL history, Ditka traded all of New Orleans' 1999 draft picks, plus a first-round selection the next year, to Washington to move up and select Texas running back Ricky Williams with No. 1 overall choice. Who can forget the cover of ESPN The Magazine of the two, with Williams in a wedding dress. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
    17/21 SLIDES © Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images

    Larger than life

    When we think about prominent people associated with the city of Chicago, Ditka is up there with the likes of Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, Al Capone and the Blues Brothers. Love him, hate him (yes, there are those out there), Ditka is as iconic as they come, both as an NFL legend and public figure. Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports
  • Slide 18 of 21: The whole Williams' draft saga backfired on Ditka and the Saints. They went 3-13 in 1999, and Ditka was often curt and volatile toward the media. At one point following a loss during that season, Ditka said the team deserved better and that
    18/21 SLIDES © RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images

    Embrace the excellence

    Those who have spent any sort of time in Chicago over the last 35 years know what Ditka means to that city, but he's obviously left a massive mark on the game of football. A member of both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame, Ditka's No. 89 is retired by both the University of Pittsburgh and the Chicago Bears. Also, he and Tom Flores are the only coaches to win a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
  • Slide 19 of 21: As was the case after being let go by the Bears, Ditka again returned to TV as a studio analyst and branched out to radio as well. To this day, Ditka remains a popular figure both in Chicago and nationally, thanks to his outgoing personality, goofy antics and opinions on football — and any subject for that matter. He's also made several appearances in television and film. Jerome Davis/Icon Sportswire
    19/21 SLIDES © Jerome Davis/Icon Sportswire
  • Slide 20 of 21: When we think about prominent people associated with the city of Chicago, Ditka is up there with the likes of Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, Al Capone and the Blues Brothers. Love him, hate him (yes, there are those out there), Ditka is as iconic as they come, both as an NFL legend and public figure. Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports
    20/21 SLIDES © Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports
  • Slide 21 of 21: Those who have spent any sort of time in Chicago over the last 35 years know what Ditka means to that city, but he's obviously left a massive mark on the game of football. A member of both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame, Ditka's No. 89 is retired by both the University of Pittsburgh and the Chicago Bears. Also, he and Tom Flores are the only coaches to win a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
    21/21 SLIDES © Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

USC and Don Shula's Dolphins were both perfect in 1972 .
Don Shula, the winningest head coach in the history of the NFL, died on Monday at age 90. Shula's most important connection with a USC player was his relationship with Monte Clark, which we briefly looked at in the days leading up to the NFL Draft. Clark had a soli d NFL playing career as a USC draft pick, but then became Shula’s offensive line coach for the Super Bowl-winning Miami Dolphins teams of the early 1970s. Clark parlayed that experience into a head coaching career with the Detroit Lions. He won a division title and reached the playoffs, which automatically makes him a relatively decent Lions coach in the Super Bowl era.

usr: 0
This is interesting!
2020 NFL Draft: Trent Williams, Yannick Ngakoue among 17 veterans who could be traded on draft day
Bengals reject Dolphins' offer for No. 1 pick
2020 NFL Draft: Most questionable pick made by all 32 teams, including two in Round 1 but not the Packers