AP

Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has been hospitalized but says he feels fine after suffering a minor stroke.

The 73-year-old Ditka told the Chicago Tribune that he was playing cards today when he noticed that his hands weren’t feeling right and he was having trouble speaking. He went to the hospital and was told he had a “very minor stroke.”

“I feel good right now and it’s not a big deal,” Ditka said.

It’s not a big deal in part because Ditka did the smart thing and got treatment as soon as symptoms presented themselves. Early detection and treatment are the best way to reduce brain damage and improve recovery for stroke patients.

It is not clear whether Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end who coached the Bears to the championship at Super Bowl XX, will make his usual appearance on the ESPN Sunday pregame show this weekend.