Ditka Believed Eating Alligator Fueled Bears’ Success
In the mid-1980s, a unique food ritual emerged within the Chicago Bears organization that some credited for the team’s success. Coach Mike Ditka and General Manager Jerry Vainisi discovered that eating alligator meat seemed to coincide with victories.
Origins of the Alligator Ritual
The practice began in 1983, the night before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following their victory, Ditka and Vainisi decided to repeat the culinary experience on subsequent trips to Tampa Bay. By October 1985, this ritual had garnered attention.
Media Buzz and Super Bowl Hype
As the Bears approached the Super Bowl in January 1986, the team’s alligator tradition became widely publicized. Reporters noted that alligator meat had transformed into a symbolic dish for the Bears, often referred to as their “unofficial victory victual.”
- Alligator meat was described as “superfood” for the team.
- Restaurants promoted alligator dishes, claiming a connection to the Bears’ triumphs.
- Local stores reported increased demand for alligator meat leading up to the Super Bowl.
Public Reaction and Participation
As fans learned about the alligator ritual, they began to embrace it themselves. Eateries across Chicago started to offer alligator pizzas, with several businesses branding them as “the original Mike Ditka alligator meat pizza.”
For example, Hot Lips Pizza ‘n’ Ribs delivered alligator pizzas to the Bears’ headquarters as a tribute. Owner Steve Locke even noted Ditka enjoyed the dish when sampled during a sports interview.
Access to Alligator Meat
Butcher shops and specialty stores began carrying alligator meat. However, the price was steep, with some shops selling it for around $9.95 per pound, reflecting the exotic nature of the item. Despite the cost, enthusiasm from fans remained high.
As cities prepared for the Super Bowl, one local pizzeria attracted attention by hosting a party where customers could sample alligator dishes. This festive atmosphere was further showcased by local news coverage, highlighting the connection between food, tradition, and sports.
Conclusion
Today, fans of the Chicago Bears can still honor this quirky ritual. Some are even known to add freshly grated cheese to their alligator dishes, blending tradition with a modern twist.
