Mike Ditka's Iconic Super Bowl Sweater Vest Up for Auction

The legendary Bears coach's famous sideline attire from Super Bowl XX hits the auction block on the 40th anniversary of the game.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47am

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The iconic sweater vest worn by Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka during their Super Bowl XX victory is up for auction on the 40th anniversary of the game. Ditka's bold and memorable sideline look has become synonymous with the dominant 1985 Bears team, and the authentic game-worn vest could set a record price for a coach's collectible.

Why it matters

The 1985 Chicago Bears are considered one of the greatest NFL teams of all time, and Ditka's sweater vest has become an enduring symbol of that legendary squad. As the Bears have not won a Super Bowl since, the vest's auction represents a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of the team's storied history.

The details

The size XXL sweater vest, which Ditka wore during the Bears' Super Bowl XX victory, is being auctioned off by Goldin Auctions. While it is not "photo matched," the vest comes with a letter of provenance directly from Ditka himself. Experts believe the authentic game-worn item could set a new record price for a collectible associated with an NFL coach.

  • The 40th anniversary of Super Bowl XX is on January 26, 2026.
  • The sweater vest auction is taking place in January 2026.

The players

Mike Ditka

The legendary head coach of the 1985 Chicago Bears, who led the team to a dominant Super Bowl XX victory. Ditka's iconic sweater vest has become synonymous with the Bears' championship season.

Darren Rovell

The founder of Collect Media, a media site devoted to the world of collectibles and memorabilia. Rovell has provided expert commentary on the significance and potential value of Ditka's game-worn sweater vest.

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What they’re saying

“Of course Ditka, the big bold letters, B-E-A-R-S, was just so iconic, because it was a uniform. This wasn't Nike or Reebok or someone telling a coach what to wear. This was his uniform. He was going to wear it every time.”

— Darren Rovell, Founder, Collect Media (Collect Media)

“I think the fact that the Bears haven't won since — I don't want to say it to Bears fans — but it makes that team more iconic.”

— Darren Rovell, Founder, Collect Media (Collect Media)

What’s next

The authentic game-worn sweater vest from Super Bowl XX is expected to draw significant interest from collectors and Bears fans alike when it goes up for auction in January 2026, the 40th anniversary of the Bears' championship victory.

The takeaway

Mike Ditka's iconic sweater vest has become an enduring symbol of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears team, and its upcoming auction represents a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of NFL history. The vest's auction coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Bears' Super Bowl triumph, underscoring the lasting impact of Ditka's bold sideline style and the team's dominant championship season.