In keeping with the Mike Ditka day theme today at Sherman Report, I thought I would share my interview with Seth Markman. ESPN’s senior coordinating producer for its studio shows has had an up close view of working with Ditka on Sunday NFL Countdown since 2004.

Here’s my Q/A:

Why has Ditka lasted 20 years as a network TV analyst?

It’s because he really is an icon. There’s so much weight on every word he says. It’s rare to have a Hall of Fame player and a Super Bowl-winning coach. That just doesn’t happen. He can speak to anything that goes on in the game.

You have to travel with him to understand how beloved he is, not only in Chicago but around the country. It’s unlike anyone I’ve been around.

The bottom line is that he’s still good at what he does. He’s still on top of his game.

He seemed to downplay his preparation for the show.

I promise you, he prepares. He comes in with notes to every meeting. He really does study. He’s seen people come and go who don’t stay tuned to what’s happening on the field. He stays on top of everything. He works really hard.

How did you feel about the reaction after Ditka called Jonathan Martin “a baby?”

The only thing we’ve asked for him was to be honest. He’s definitely honest. He won’t try to shrink away from (controversial views) like others have. The one thing about Coach: He doesn’t care what people think. He never has, and never will.

Ditka is dropping hints that he is tired of the travel and that he might leave ESPN after the season. Has he said anything to you?

He has not. As long as he wants to do this, we want him. I recognize the wear and tear of the travel is getting to him. When the day comes, we’ll miss him. However, he’s still so much on top of his game, I hope he does a few more years.

You’ve worked with Ditka for a long time. What should people know about him?

He’s the most generous guy I’ve been around. Last year, a group of guys were taking Wounded Warriors to Monday night games. They were doing it out of their own pocket. We did a story on them. After the story, without ever saying anything to us, Ditka said, ‘I’m paying all their expenses for the rest of the year.’

I’ve seen that over and over again. It’s incredible how generous he is.