Mike Ditka considered running for the open Illinois senate seat in 2004. He did not, and state senator Barack Obama won. Ditka is "ultra-ultra-ultra conservative". Other than the 2004 possibility, he could have run for political office at any point. A period that comes to mind is after 1992, when Ditka left the Chicago Bears. Ditka returned to coaching from 1997 to 1999, becoming head coach of the New Orleans Saints. However, Ditka failed as coach of the Saints, and came to regret his tenure. Swapping that experience out for a run at politics would be interesting.
In any event, what if Mike Ditka transitioned (or attempted to transition) into a political career?
In any event, what if Mike Ditka transitioned (or attempted to transition) into a political career?