On November 24, 1963, the nation was in mourning following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, which had occurred two days earlier. On the field, for “Iron” Mike Ditka –the Bears’ tight end and one of the toughest players in football – it was business as usual. Ditka, with his team down 17-14 in the fourth quarter to the Steelers at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, took off on one of his patented runs that would grace many highlight reels for years to come. First, Ditka caught a short pass from QB Billy Wade. Then, like an action movie hero, Ditka eluded a tackler, proceeded downhill into a trio of Steeler defenders, ramming over one with his helmet, shooing away another like a mosquito, and then breaking more tackles before busting alone into the open field. Eventually, Ditka lost steam, was caught from behind, and collapsed onto the field, exhausted. But it wasn’t before he had rumbled for a crucial 63 yards; the play, one of seven receptions for Ditka that totaled 146 yards, set up a field goal and the Bears salvaged a 17-17 tie. The Bears finished the season 11-1-2, and beat the New York Giants in the NFL Championship.