NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

The 21st greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: Billy Wade & Mike Ditka

Younger NFL fans may remember Mike Ditka as the hard-nosed coach that led the ‘85 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl. But before his Bears’ defense was wrecking havoc while he coached from the sideline, ‘Iron Mike’ was on the field for the Bears, causing problems for defenses as a Hall of Fame tight end.

In 1961, Chicago drafted Ditka fifth overall, the highest ever for a tight end at the time. That same year, the Bears acquired quarterback Billy Wade in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Wade and Ditka developed an instant connection that would help revolutionize the tight end position.

More than just a blocker, in his first season, Ditka caught 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. That early dominance won him Rookie of the Year. Ditka was also selected to the Pro bowl his first five seasons. For four of those seasons, Wade was his quarterback.

Wade had a favorite target in Ditka as he led Chicago in receiving his first three seasons and finished second in his fourth. In 57 games together, the two connected 242 times for 3,608 yards and 31 touchdowns.

In 1963, the pair led the Bears to an 11-1-2 record and won the NFL Championship.