Former Pitt star, NFL coach Mike Ditka suffers minor stroke

Former Pitt star and NFL coach Mike Ditka suffered a minor stroke on Friday while playing cards at a country club, ESPN reports. He's still in the hospital, but hopes to be released soon. Ditka, who serves as an analyst for the network, will be taking a few days off. But for his part, he says it's not all that serious:

When reached Friday night, Ditka told the Chicago Tribune that he was feeling "good right now and it's not a big deal."

I'd respectfully disagree, since any type of stroke is a pretty big deal. According to ESPN, Ditka has not had any significant health problems since suffering a heart attack more than 20 years ago, but a stroke (even a minor one) is a serious situation nonetheless.

Ditka is a legend in western Pennsylvania circles. He no longer lives here, but Ditka was born in nearby Carnegie, played high school football at Aliquippa, and then played tight end at the University of Pittsburgh. He also recently opened a restaurant in the area. Here's to hoping he gets better quickly.