Bears, Packers fans credit Mike Ditka for role in storied rivalry

Reed Gordon drinks a beer while dressed as Mike Ditka while tailgating outside the stadium before the Bear play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Fans bet a dog while tailgating outside the stadium before the Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Dressed as Mike Ditka 11-year-old Reid Jaworski talks with his father Jeff Jaworski outside the stadium before the Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Fans tailgate outside the stadium before the Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Dressed as Mike Ditka Brad Schiltz walks through the concourse before the Bears place the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Matt Corrado wears a Mike Ditka jersey while walking outside the stadium before the Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)