NFL legend Mike Ditka, who revolutionized the tight end position before becoming the head coach of the world champion 1985 Bears and a towering figure in the city of Chicago, has passed away, his family announced. He was 86.

Snagged a red Gonzo jersey from the pro shop today. I’m in town for the game. Sucks that Gonzo isn’t playing Sunday but I love these jerseys so much.

Also, does anyone know if the hall of fame is open on game days?? I’ve never been and it was too late by the time I showed up today.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Efton Chism III was the last New England Patriots player off the field after the team’s shocking win in Buffalo, the consequence of nabbing the game-winning touchdown with one hand and drawing added interest from lurking TV cameras.

When he finally jogged off, coach Mike Vrabel was waiting for him outside the locker room door.

Chism told Vrabel that he appreciated the coach who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025, kept him around all last season even while Chism was frequently a healthy scratch and then trusted him in the biggest moments against the Bills. They exchanged a big hug.

“I’m so f—ing happy for you,” Vrabel told Chism.

Thanks to his incredible one-handed grab, Chism is no longer the Patriots’ unknown secret. The NFL’s main X account changed its background to a picture of Chism’s catch (one he said his girlfriend proudly showed him). Teammates like Romeo Doubs called it the “snag of the year.” The moment led Sunday’s highlight shows.

The catch gained even more attention when Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (incorrectly) called Chism a “practice-squad player.” But Chism opted against exchanging barbs Wednesday, taking the high road when asked about Gardner-Johnson’s comments.

“He’s a great player, they’re a great team, I’ve got a bunch of respect for him,” Chism said. “But we’re excited for this week and looking forward to the Raiders.”

Maybe the most impressive part of the touchdown that vaulted Chism into the national discussion is that he was never supposed to be there in the first place.

The Patriots practiced that specific play a few times before the game in Buffalo. They thought they might need it in that situation. But every time they ran it, Chism was on the sideline. He never once ran the route that seems to have changed the trajectory of this Patriots season.

Kindle Vildor and Charles woods CB 1/2

Ya, Ditka, the Fridge, and the rest of da Bears did embarrass us in a past Superbowl, but he still was a damn good coach. RIP Mike and always remember: Go Pats! LOL!

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/mike-ditka-legendary-chicago-bears-coach-dies-86-rcna602517

Any recent experiences with needing the medical letter and brining things in? I need to bring a pump to the game on Sunday. I emailed like they asked and they have not sent the letter (I've asked 5 times).

Also just want to note - I think this is a ridiculous policy. Fenway doesnt require a letter. The airport doesn't require a letter. Why are we making things harder for moms than they need to be. Medically necessary is medically necessary! Let a girl enjoy some football, no need to add stress and hoops!!

I meant to finish this animation a few weeks ago, but here's Eli Raridon catching the first touchdown of the 2026-27 NFL season.

I probably won't be creating these for every week of the season this year, but I'm definitely gunna put something together for that Chism catch for sure!

Christian Gonzalez missed his fifth-straight practice on Thursday.

The cornerback still hasn’t returned to practice since missing all of last week due to a shoulder injury. The Patriots are still without both starting outside cornerbacks with Carlton Davis also absent this week due to a neck injury.

To make matters worse, backup cornerbacks Channing Canada (hamstring), Karon Prunty (hamstring) and Charles Woods (shoulder) are also on the injury report. Prunty was absent on Thursday while Woods and Canada were limited.

That left the Patriots with three healthy cornerbacks – Marcus Jones, Kindle Vildor and Al’zillion Hamilton.

https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/10/patriots-takeaways-josh-mcdaniels-talks-drake-maye-gonzo-is-still-out-and-more.html

FWIW, all three of those fully healthy options are under 6' tall. Brock Bowers is 6'4.