Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Bears Legend and NFL Hall of Famer, Passes Away

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

The sports world mourns the loss of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, an iconic NFL figure and Hall of Fame member. McMichael, known for his relentless performance on the Chicago Bears’ defense in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 67, as announced by the NFL on Wednesday. McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021. His legacy on the field is undeniable, standing out for his ability to pressure the opponent and his fighting spirit. Although he played one season with the New England Patriots and another with the Green Bay Packers, it was during his 13 seasons with the Bears where he forged his legend, including a record of 191 consecutive games. In total, McMichael participated in 207 games between 1981 and 1994.

The Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Steve McMichael, was a dominant force on the field. Here, a look at his impact on the game.

McMichael was a key player in the 1985 Super Bowl victory and was twice selected to the All-Pro first team, as well as participating in the Pro Bowl. He had at least seven sacks in seven consecutive seasons (1983 to 1989), surpassed only by Richard Dent’s 10-year streak among Bears players.

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.

George H. McCaskey, Bears chairman

On August 3, 2024, McMichael was officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois, where his bust was unveiled in the presence of his wife, daughter, and teammates from 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.

During the Canton ceremony, ESPN’s Chris Berman relayed a message from McMichael about the impact of his career:

I don’t want ALS to be my legacy. What I did on the field, that is my legacy. Pushing myself to the limit… beyond what anyone else could.

Steve McMichael

McMichael was nominated for the Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015, reaching the final stage twice before being selected. His wife, Misty, actively fought for his induction, while ALS prevented him from moving or speaking. In 2023, McMichael signed a “do not resuscitate” form, but upon learning he was a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame, he told his wife he wanted to break it.

There will never be a stronger fighter we have known. He was also the sweetest guy I have ever met. I am proud of everything we achieved together, especially the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was the last thing he could tell me before he lost his 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 accumulated eight sacks during the 1985 regular season and added one more in the victory of Super Bowl XX against the Patriots. He was selected to the first All-Pro team and led a defense that was number one in points and yards allowed, as well as being the best in ball steals. Many consider it the best in history, leading Chicago to an 18-1 record. With 95 sacks in his career, McMichael also recorded 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, behind only Dent.

Although often overshadowed by Hall of Famers Singletary and Dent, McMichael was fundamental to the Bears’ success. 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’ arch-rival was to “steal their money and beat them again.” Selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 1980 NFL draft, McMichael only played six games as a rookie before being released. In college, he excelled at Texas, where he was a unanimous All-America and historical leader in tackles (369) and sacks (30). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

A review of Steve McMichael’s career in American football.

After his career in American football, McMichael had a successful stint as a professional wrestler in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he won the United States Heavyweight Championship as a member of the “Four Horsemen” group. In April 1995, he was in Lawrence Taylor’s corner at WrestleMania. Later that year, he began as a commentator in WCW. He started his wrestling career in 1996, feuding with Ric Flair over then-wife Debra McMichael, who was a wrestling valet. He remained in the company until 1999. Whether terrorizing his opponents or commenting on the Bears on sports radio, the man known as “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo” remained a prominent presence in Chicago long after his playing days. Born in Houston, McMichael’s parents divorced when he was about 2 years old. His mother, Betty, married an oil company executive named E.V. McMichael, and young McMichael considered him his father and adopted his last name. The family moved to Freer, Texas, and McMichael excelled in American football, basketball, baseball, track and field, tennis, and golf as a senior. He preferred baseball, where he was a catcher. McMichael and Debra divorced in 1998. He married Misty Davenport in 2001, and their daughter, Macy, was born in 2008.

Steve McMichael told everyone that he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And he did.

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

Steve “Mongo” McMichael’s legacy will endure in the memory of fans and in the history of American football.