Da Coach MIKE DITKA waxes on his ’stache, the NFL’s toughest, and ‘whupping’ Manziel.
M&F: How is Coach Ditka feeling these days?
Mike Ditka: Relaxed. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can slow it down. I’ve had four hip replacements. I’ve had a shoulder done. But I work out every day. A lot of running in place in the water. A lot of stretching. I don’t know if it will add 10 years or five days, but I feel good.
Who’s the toughest guy you ever played against?
Ray Nitschke. He knocked me out in a game, and I played it out on my feet. I later knocked him out in another game. He was just tough and mean, and I have great respect for him.
Who’s the toughest guy in the NFL today?
J.J. Watt. He’s a more athletic [Dick] Butkus, which is a scary commodity.
What do you think of today’s athletes?
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Muscle & Fitness.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Muscle & Fitness.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
7 Things Fitness Insiders Want You To Know
We asked seasoned coaches and trainers in the fitness industry for tips and advice that they wish all their clients and social media followers knew. From dispelling myths about training with injuries to assuming all box gyms suck, your training IQ is all but guaranteed to rise a few points after digesting these tidbits.
GRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINES
Fitness entrepreneur James Grage ditched the gym for resistance band workouts to spend more time with his family. Judging by his results, he won’t be returning anytime soon.
GO TO BED TIRED
Forget brains, talent, or genetics. For Special Forces operator and former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy, hard work is the most important factor to a rewarding life.
FINE ART: CHISELING A COMPETITION-QUALITY UPPER BODY
How physique competitor Osamoje Imoohi shaped his mind and impressive body through fitness.
Light Up Your Legs
Juan Morel’s continued quest for bodybuilding’s top prize begins with his killer leg workout.
ROMAN'S SECOND REIGN
After being sidelined with leukemia in 2018, WWE Superstar Roman Reigns returned bigger and stronger—both inside and outside the ring.
COOL RUNNINGS
To break out of his fitness funk, M&F ’s chief content officer, Zack Zeigler, challenged himself to complete a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a 24-hour, 30-mile Spartan Race all in a week’s time.
THE FUTURE OF STEROIDS
M&F explores the advancements being made to PEDs, emerging drugs, and what this all means for the future of bodybuilding and other sports
BRAIN FOOD
These seven foods will nourish your body and sharpen your mind.
THE MODERN RUNNING SHOE...DISSECTED
More innovations have been made in the past decade to the running shoe than ever before, resulting in a product so efficient it was almost banned from all running events. Here are the major changes that have led us to the pinnacle of performance footwear.
