The sports world mourns the loss of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, an iconic member of the legendary “46” defense of the 1980s Chicago Bears, who passed away at the age of 67. McMichael, renowned for his outstanding career in American football, left an indelible mark on NFL history.
McMichael was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021. Despite the illness, his legacy on the field remains.
A Legend on the Field
Known for his strength and dedication, McMichael played for 13 seasons with the Bears, setting a team record with 191 consecutive games. In total, he participated in 207 games between 1981 and 1994. His impact on the game was undeniable, including the victory in the 1985 Super Bowl.
McMichael was twice selected to the first All-Pro team and participated in the Pro Bowl. His consistency was evidenced by at least seven sacks in seven consecutive seasons (1983-1989), surpassed only by Richard Dent in Bears history.
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.
George H. McCaskey, Bears chairman
On August 3, 2024, McMichael was honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Surrounded by his family and teammates from the 1985 Bears, his bust was unveiled at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois.
His former teammates Richard Dent, Ron Rivera, Mike Singletary, Jimbo Covert, Gary Fencik, Jim Osborne and Marcus Keyes were present at the tribute ceremony, celebrating the memory of a great man.
The message McMichael conveyed about the impact of his career was clear:
I don’t want ALS to be my legacy. What I did on the field, that’s my legacy. Pushing myself to the limit… beyond what anyone else could.
Steve McMichael
Despite the difficulties imposed by ALS, McMichael fought with the same tenacity he displayed on the field. His wife, Misty, played a fundamental role in his Hall of Fame candidacy.
In his career, McMichael accumulated 95 sacks, 847 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 3 safeties in 213 games. His impact on the Bears’ defense was crucial, despite often being overshadowed by figures like Singletary and Dent.
McMichael played one season with the New England Patriots and another with the Green Bay Packers, but his legacy was forged in Chicago. After retiring, he used to joke that he signed with the Packers to “steal their money and beat them again.”
Beyond Football
Before his time in the NFL, McMichael was a star at the University of Texas. After his football career, “Mongo” found a second life in professional wrestling with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he won the United States Heavyweight Championship as a member of the “Four Horsemen”.
McMichael, who was also a commentator, became a prominent figure in Chicago after his playing career, remembered for his nickname “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo”.
McMichael’s personal life included a marriage to Misty Davenport, with whom he had a daughter, Macy.
Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And that’s exactly what he did.
Jim Porter, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
