Ditka joins Chicago Rush's new ownership group

It didn't take long for Chicago football icon Mike Ditka to renew his membership in the Arena Football community. Ken Valdiserri, president and general manager of the Chicago Rush, announced today that Ditka is joining the new team's ownership group.

Ditka joins an ownership group that includes managing partner and Chicago-based lawyer Bill Niro, Dr. Ciro Cirrincione and Chicago-based lawyer Kathryn Hall. Niro is one of the original pioneers of Arena Football and has been involved with the sport for more than 23 years.

"We could not be more excited to have Coach Ditka join our efforts to bring the Rush and Arena Football back to Chicago," said Niro. "We all know how passionate he is about the game, which is why we reached out to him about joining our group."

"It is no secret that I love the game of Arena Football and have a great deal of respect for the men who play it," said Ditka. "As you know, future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and many other NFL players have launched their careers through this great game. When I saw how serious this ownership group was about restoring a successful franchise in Chicago, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. From the hiring of Coach Mike Hohensee, one of the league's best coaches, to acquiring the Rush name, the team definitely is moving in the right direction."

In addition to his desire to win another championship for the city of Chicago, Ditka plans to use his relationship with the Rush to help promote another one of his passions - the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

"This ownership group understands how passionate and important the Gridiron Greats is to me," said Ditka. "They can significantly influence our awareness campaign and create innovative ways to raise funds to forward our mission of helping NFL retired players in need."

Gridiron Greats will have a presence at Allstate Arena at each Rush home game, staffing a table in the concourse to distribute information about the charity and solicit donations. In addition, Gridiron Greats also will have the opportunity to sell GGAF merchandise to the Rush fans.

"Mike Ditka is an iconic brand," said Valdiserri. "I have learned a great deal from him over the 25 years I have known him and I value his friendship. I am pleased he will be part of this effort as the synergies that can be created between the two organizations make this an ideal partnership."

Currently an analyst with ESPN, Ditka began his professional career in 1961, when the University of Pittsburgh All-America was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round (fifth overall selection). The tight end spent six seasons in a Bears uniform -- appearing in five Pro Bowls, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 1961 and playing on the Bears' 1963 NFL championship team. He was traded to Philadelphia in 1967, and then was dealt to Dallas two years later, spending four seasons with the Cowboys. On July 30, 1988, he became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement in 1972, Ditka began his coaching career as an offensive assistant and special team's coordinator for the Cowboys.

On January 20, 1982, Ditka was named the 10th head coach in Chicago Bears' history. During 11 seasons at the Bears' helm, he coached the team to six NFC Central Division titles and three appearances in the NFC title game. In 1985, the Bears posted an 18-1 record and defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. He earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1985 and 1988.

Ditka is the only Bears coach to lead his club to five straight postseason appearances. He ranks second only to the legendary George Halas among Bears coaches in tenure and victories.

He also coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997-1999, and holds an overall coaching record of 127-101 (.557) -- including a 121-95 regular-season record (.560).

The 2010 Chicago Rush season kicks off April 3 at Iowa. The Rush home opener at Allstate Arena is set for Sunday, April 11, against the Cleveland Gladiators. Season and group tickets for the 2010 season are on sale, with season ticket prices beginning as low as $64 per ticket. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Rush office at (847) 882-9400 or visiting the team's Web site at www.arenarush.com. Fans that held season tickets to the previous Rush team will be given the opportunity to reserve their same season ticket locations, but must call the office as soon as possible to secure those seats.