Mike Ditka’s 1999 Draft Gamble with Ricky Williams Remembered Amidst Recent Passing
The recent death of NFL personality Mike Ditka has revived memories in Cleveland-Akron (Canton) of his bold 1999 draft gamble where he traded eight selections to draft Ricky Williams.
Cleveland Akron, OH, October 9, 2026 — The recent passing of NFL personality Mike Ditka has prompted recollections in the Cleveland-Akron, Ohio area concerning a notable decision made during his coaching tenure. Specifically, memories have resurfaced of his aggressive strategy in the 1999 NFL Draft.
During that draft, Ditka, then the head coach and general manager of the New Orleans Saints, orchestrated a significant trade. The Saints acquired the eighth overall pick, which they used to select running back Ricky Williams. This move involved a substantial cost for the team, as they traded away eight draft selections to acquire the necessary assets for the trade.
The draft gamble occurred in 1999, a year when Williams was a highly anticipated prospect. The trade saw the Saints give up a considerable number of future draft picks to move up and secure the player they identified as a key addition to their roster.
The revival of these memories in the Cleveland-Akron region is directly linked to the recent news of Mike Ditka’s death, an event that has brought his career and significant moments back into public discussion.
Story summarized from the original created by Chris Pugh on www.cleveland.com, see more information here.
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