Mike Ditka back at work after stroke
By MITCH DUDEK Staff Reporter mdudek@suntimes.com November 19, 2012 9:55PM
Mike Ditka. File Photo
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Updated: December 21, 2012 6:29AM
Three days after suffering a minor stroke, former Bears coach “Iron” Mike Ditka was back at work Monday offering football commentary on cable television, but joked that he’s now “Rusty” Mike.
Ditka, who prognosticated from Chicago after missing his weekend duties for ESPN in Bristol, Conn., also reflected about his mortality.
“You know some times we think we’re invincible ... not so,” Ditka, 73, told WGN News.
“I’ve got to slow down a little bit. I do too many things, I probably worry about too many things, but, you know, it’s my life. I don’t mind doing that,” said Ditka, who doesn’t believe stress triggered the stroke.
Ditka was playing cards at Bob O’Link Golf Club in Highland park Friday when he began having trouble talking and moving his hands. He was taken to Highland Park Hospital and was released Sunday. On Monday he was home resting, but hopes to continue his traveling work schedule next weekend.
Ditka suffered a heart attack in 1988 at the age of 49 and was back on the gridiron sidelines 11 days later.
