Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Bears legend and Hall of Famer, passes away

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 of the 1980s. McMichael, who passed away at 67, left an indelible mark on the NFL, as announced by the league on Wednesday. A McMichael was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021. His legacy on the field and his courage in the face of adversity made him an icon of American football. 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 team record of 191 consecutive games played. In total, McMichael participated in 207 games between 1981 and 1994.

The defensive tackle was a Super Bowl champion (1985) and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection, as well as being called to the Pro Bowl. He accumulated 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. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve’s family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear. On August 3, 2024, McMichael was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a recognition of his outstanding career. Surrounded by his wife, daughter, and members of the famous 1985 Bears defense, McMichael’s bust in the Hall of Fame was presented at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois. McMichael, bedridden, received the tribute in his gold jacket, while his sister, Kathy, delivered the induction speech in a pre-recorded video. Among those present to celebrate McMichael’s induction were his former teammates Richard Dent, Ron Rivera, Mike Singletary, Jimbo Covert, Gary Fencik, Jim Osborne, and Marcus Keyes. A live video from McMichael’s room was broadcast to the crowd in Canton, while ESPN’s Chris Berman relayed the message he received from the defensive tackle about his impact on 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 “Mongo” McMichael

McMichael, selected by the Hall of Fame’s senior committee, had been previously nominated in 2014 and 2015, reaching the second round of candidates on two occasions before finally being elected. Misty, McMichael’s wife, actively fought for her husband’s inclusion as ALS robbed him of the ability to move or speak, bedridden during the last years of his life. McMichael signed a “do not resuscitate” form in 2023 before his condition worsened. Upon learning that he was one of the semifinalists last August, McMichael informed his wife that he wanted to break the document while awaiting news about his election.

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 Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was the last thing he could say to 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 you 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 played. His 92.5 sacks with the Bears are only surpassed by Dent in team history.

Although he was often in the shadow of Hall of Fame members like Singletary and Dent, McMichael was fundamental to the Bears’ success. Coach Mike Ditka described him as the toughest player he ever coached.

After his retirement from American football, “Mongo” had a successful career 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 led by Ric Flair. In April 1995, he was in Lawrence Taylor’s corner at WrestleMania. Later that year, he started in WCW as a commentator. He began his in-ring career in 1996, feuding with Flair over then-wife Debra McMichael, who was a wrestling valet. He remained with the company until 1999.

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, whom the young McMichael considered his father and adopted his surname.

McMichael 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

The death of Steve McMichael represents a great loss for the sports world. His legacy will endure as an example of courage, dedication, and passion for the game.