Jim Harbaugh brought a Mike Ditka jersey to Big Ten media days

Jim Harbaugh had a jersey with him at the podium Friday at Big Ten media days. It was not a Michigan jersey either.

Harbaugh displayed the jersey of former Chicago Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka. He said he had dinner with Ditka Thursday night at Ditka's steakhouse. Big Ten media days are in Chicago.

Harbaugh, a first round pick in 1987, played quarterback for the Bears under Ditka. We're also not surprised in the slightest that he brought a prop to the podium.

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"When you're a player, your coach is – it's like family," Harbaugh said. "There is your family. There is – sometimes there's a favorite teacher that you had growing up, grade school or high school. There's sometimes a neighbor that you were very close to. Maybe somebody in the church or the clergy and your coach. And it's so close to your family that – I had a chance to spend the evening with Coach last night at his restaurant. And [Mike Ditka's wife Diana] was there and [Harbaugh's wife] Sarah was there and it was just really, really special to be with my coach."

He did not get the jersey autographed, however.

"No, no, he didn't autograph it," Harbaugh said. "But I'll be proud to wear that."

For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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