Pro Football Hall of Famer and former NFL head coach Mike Ditka was hospitalized earlier this week after suffering a heart attack.
"Coach Ditka had a mild heart attack earlier this week. Doctors inserted a pacemaker, and he is doing much better," Steve Mandell, Ditka's agent, told ESPN. "He appreciates the outpouring of support and expects to be home soon."
The 79-year-old is currently recovering in a Florida hospital, according to multiple sources.
Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 after a successful playing career with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys.
A champion as both a player and coach, Ditka led the 1985 Bears and their dominant defense to a title during his fourth of 11 campaigns in charge. He later spent three seasons as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.