John Mackey (source: sumagazine.syr.edu )
&
Mike Ditka (source: http://www.225.pitt.edu/story/legend-'iron-mike')
Who would you rather have as your starting tight end on your college football team: John Mackey (Syracuse) or Mike Ditka (Pittsburgh)?
John Mackey was born on September 24, 1941. He played for Syracuse University from 1960 to 1962. (This was before freshmen could play. Freshmen became eligible to play in 1972.)
Over John’s career he rushed for 259 yards, a 4.5 per carry average, and rushed for four touchdowns. He caught 27 passes for a total of 481 yards, averaging 17.8 yards per catch, and he caught five touchdown passes. This was during an era when the tight end was used more as an additional blocker than a receiver or running back.
John’s teams at Syracuse went 20 and 10. In 2001, the John Mackey Award was established by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The award is given yearly to the top college tight end. On September 15, 2007, Mackey's alma mater, Syracuse University, retired number 88 in his honor. He passed away at the age of 69 on July 6, 2011.
Mike Ditka was born on October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He is an ethnic Ukrainian. He was a three-sport start at Aliquippa High School. He played for the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1960.
Ditka caught 45 passes for a total of 730 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per catch, and scored seven touchdowns over his three year career at Pitt. Similar to John’s college career, his was during an era when the tight end was used more as an additional blocker than a receiver.
Ditka’s teams at Pitt went 15-11-4. He led his team in receptions all three years he was at Pitt. He was a first team selection on the College Football All-America Team in his senior year. In 1986 he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
So there you have it: two legendary tight ends. Which one do you choose to be your tight end for your college team, based on their college career, not their pro career afterwards? Please comment via the button below: