Ditka stokes interest in Lingerie Football League

Outside the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates Friday, you could close your eyes and still know a beloved Chicago sports figure and personality had arrived.

In the waning daylight, with the Lingerie Football League's Sears Centre debut just hours away, beer-greased fans converged on a platform outside the arena and began chanting "Da Coach! Da Coach! Da Coach!"

Wearing a breezy blue Havana shirt, blue jeans and aviator sunglasses, a hale and hearty Mike Ditka strolled to the podium armed with a joke.

"You're gonna like the way they look - and you're gonna like the way they play," said Ditka, flanked by two shapely and festively dressed members of the Chicago Bliss named Danielle and Brooke.

On a more serious note, Ditka said he watched the women practice ­and - no surprise - he liked what he saw. "The girls were pretty good, and they're very serious about what they do," he said. "They're not NFL-caliber, and they're not supposed to be. They're good-looking women."

Ditka said he is taking an ownership stake in the Lingerie Football League, as previously announced, but did not provide any details. "I'm excited about the opportunity," Ditka said. "I'm gonna do all I can to make this a viable league."

League founder and chairman Mitchell Mortaza said he plans to introduce lingerie football to every NFL market.

"I think now, more than ever, we need an escape," Mortaza said. "We're starting out with 10, and we'll be up to 32 in the next six seasons."

Fans said they hoped Ditka's celebrity and reputation would help bring lingerie football the respect it deserves. "I'm excited for the league," said Chris Jansen of Streamwood. "We had gotten tickets when we first heard about it. Now, with the coach being involved - it's going to bring a lot more attention to the league."