Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Bears legend, Passes Away at 67

Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Chicago Bears Legend, Passes Away

The sports world mourns the loss of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a prominent member of the historic “46” defense of the Chicago Bears, who passed away at the age of 67. The news was announced on Wednesday, marking the end of the life of an American football legend who left an indelible mark. McMichael, diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 2021, was a key figure for the Bears in the 1980s. He ranks second in franchise history with 92.5 quarterback sacks, and his impact on the field was undeniable. Although he played one season with the New England Patriots and another with the Green Bay Packers, it was with the Bears where he forged his legend. He participated in 207 games between 1981 and 1994, including 191 consecutive games, a team record.

McMichael, defensive tackle, was a Super Bowl champion (1985) and twice selected to the All-Pro first team and the Pro Bowl. He demonstrated his ability by recording at least seven sacks in seven consecutive seasons (1983 to 1989).

It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ “Ironman” succumbed to this terrible disease. However, Steve showed us throughout his fight that his true strength was internal, and he demonstrated his class, dignity, and humanity daily. Now he is at peace. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve’s family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear.

George H. McCaskey, Bears Chairman

On August 3, 2024, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His bust was unveiled at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois, in an emotional ceremony attended by his wife, daughter, and members of the 1985 Bears defense. Among those attending the ceremony were his former teammates Richard Dent, Ron Rivera, Mike Singletary, Jimbo Covert, Gary Fencik, Jim Osborne, and Marcus Keyes.

A pre-recorded message from McMichael was broadcast during the ceremony, where he expressed his desire to be remembered for his performance on the field, above his fight against ALS. In 2014 and 2015, McMichael was nominated for the Hall of Fame, and although he was not selected in those years, his perseverance and legacy were finally recognized. Misty, his wife, was one of the main promoters of his Hall of Fame candidacy, driven by the illness that prevented him from moving and speaking in his final years. In 2023, McMichael signed a “do not resuscitate” document, but upon learning he was a Hall of Fame semifinalist, he asked for it to be torn up.

We will never know a stronger fighter. He was also the sweetest man I have known. I am proud of everything we achieved together, especially the Hall of Fame. It was the last thing he could say to me before losing the ability to speak. I asked him what else I could do for him and he whispered: ‘Hall of Fame’. Thanks to the fans, we did it. He loved them endlessly.

Betsy Shepherd, McMichael’s publicist

McMichael, with 95 career sacks, also accumulated 847 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 3 safeties in 213 games. His 92.5 sacks with the Bears place him second in team history. Although he was often in the shadow of other Hall of Fame members like Singletary and Dent, his contribution to the success of the Bears was fundamental. Coach Mike Ditka described him as the toughest player he ever coached. McMichael finished his career with the Packers in 1994, but used to say that the only reason he signed with the Bears’ rival was to “steal their money and beat them again.” Selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 1980 draft, his time in New England was brief. He excelled at the University of Texas, where he was a unanimous All-America and left records for tackles (369) and sacks (30). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

After his career in American football, “Mongo” had a successful stint as a professional wrestler in WCW, where he won the United States Heavyweight Championship as a member of “Four Horsemen”. In April 1995, he was in Lawrence Taylor’s corner at WrestleMania. Later that year, he began as a commentator in WCW and started his in-ring career in 1996, participating in rivalries with Ric Flair. Whether terrorizing their opponents or talking about the Bears on sports radio, “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo” remained a prominent presence in Chicago. In 1998, McMichael divorced Debra. In 2001, he married Misty Davenport, and their daughter, Macy, was born in 2008.

Steve McMichael told everyone that he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he demonstrated for 15 seasons in the NFL. And that’s exactly what he did. Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: nobody fought longer or harder from start to finish than Steve the player. … And the love that his teammates showed him throughout this difficult journey says it all about Steve the man.

Jim Porter, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame