Did you know today is National Tight Ends Day?
For those unaware, National Tight Ends Day is an unofficial holiday established by 49ers star George Kittle that celebrates one of the most underrated positions in the NFL — tight ends. It’s observed on the fourth Sunday in October, which just happens to be today — Oct. 22, 2023.
While many know Mike Ditka as the outspoken head coach of the 1985 Bears, he first made his mark as a player in Chicago. Ditka is credited with revolutionizing the tight end position as we know it as today.
During his six-year stint with the Bears, Ditka was named to five Pro Bowls and was a two-time First-Team All-Pro. He averaged 52.6 receptions, 750.5 yards and 5.6 touchdowns with Chicago from 1961 to 1965. Ditka, considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history, was also the first tight end named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
So it’s only fitting that it in a brand new tight-end centric episode of ESPN+ and Omaha Productions’ Peyton’s Places that Ditka is among those featured. In the episode, aptly titled “National Tight Ends Day,” Hall of Famer Peyton Manning chats with some of the greatest to ever play the position — Ditka, Chargers great Kellen Winslow and 49ers star George Kittle.
From sawing Peyton in half, sucking helium out of footballs, driving the Madden Cruiser, going to Disney World and more, there's still a lot of football history to cover.
Season 4 of Peyton's Places premieres Oct. 22 on @ESPNPlus! pic.twitter.com/RdkhLamSip
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) October 19, 2023
A new episode of Peyton’s Places is now available to stream on ESPN+.
