Mike Ditka’s Super Bowl XX Sweater Vest Is Up for Auction at Goldin
The iconic coach-worn sweater vest from the Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory is drawing strong interest as the auction nears its February close.
There are few garments in sports history that are as instantly recognizable as Mike Ditka’s navy Chicago Bears sweater vest, worn on Jan. 26, 1986, when the Bears delivered a commanding 46–10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Now, the iconic vest is currently up for auction at Goldin. By auction’s end, one of the most recognizable symbols of 1980s NFL culture will be in the hands of one lucky collector.
The vest is emblazoned with “BEARS” across the chest. It has been photo-matched by Resolution Photomatching to Super Bowl XX footage and authenticated by PSA/DNA. It has been signed by Ditka and, according to Goldin, originates from Ditka’s personal collection.
While game-worn jerseys from star players routinely command attention, coach-worn items, particularly those tied to defining championship moments, are more selectively categorized in the sports memorabilia market. Ditka’s sweater vest is a rare example that resonates beyond the coaching niche, primarily because it is immediately recognizable for its association with an iconic Super Bowl. Over time, the vest became closely linked to the Bears’ dominant defense and to Ditka himself, whose sideline presence helped define the look and attitude of the mid-1980s NFL.
The 1985 Bears, who finished the season 18–1, remain one of the most celebrated teams in league history. Ditka’s sideline look became inseparable from the team’s identity and helped elevate the sweater vest from ordinary apparel to enduring sports iconography.
The auction will close on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. As of this writing, the lot has drawn 26 bids and sits at $82,000 before buyer’s premium, reflecting a steady interest as the auction nears its conclusion.
In addition to the Super Bowl sweater vest, Goldin’s other sports memorabilia auctions feature other Mike Ditka memorabilia, including sports cards and a 1962 NFL Pro Bowlers signed football with 62 signatures. Goldin’s offerings underscore Ditka’s lasting influence on the game and highlight the continued demand for historically significant NFL material tied to singular personalities and championship moments.
For collectors, the sweater vest is more than a nostalgic keepsake. It’s a well-documented piece tied to a championship moment, a legendary team, and a coach whose image remains closely linked to that season.
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