Steve “Mongo” McMichael, NFL and Bears Legend, Passes Away at 67

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

The world of American football mourns the loss of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, iconic member of the Chicago Bears’ “46” defense, the NFL announced on Wednesday. McMichael, who excelled in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 67. His name resonates in the team’s history, ranking second with 92.5 sacks. A McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021. His legacy goes beyond statistics, as his impact on the field and his fighting spirit made him an unforgettable figure. Although he played one season with the New England Patriots and another with the Green Bay Packers, his mark was left in the 13 years he was with the Bears, including a record of 191 consecutive games.

A one-of-a-kind personality and Hall of Fame player. Mongo will never be forgotten. 💙 pic.twitter.com/PwVpER1cmH

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2025

The defensive tackle was a Super Bowl champion (1985) and was selected twice to the All-Pro first team, as well as participating in the Pro Bowl. He achieved at least seven sacks in seven consecutive seasons (1983 to 1989), surpassed only by Richard Dent.

“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. He is now 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. Surrounded by his wife, daughter, and members of the 1985 Bears’ defensive line, McMichael’s bust was unveiled at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois. His sister, Kathy, delivered the induction speech in a prerecorded video. Among those present at the ceremony were his former teammates Richard Dent, Ron Rivera, Mike Singletary, Jimbo Covert, Gary Fencik, Jim Osborne, and Marcus Keyes.

“Steve, we are here with all your world champion brothers. In Canton, we have 378 brothers looking for you. You are on a team you can never be cut from, you can never be released from. When you die on this team, you will remain on it”.

Richard Dent

The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer Steve McMichael after a brave battle with ALS.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ENXTqfoqQk

— NFL (@NFL) April 23, 2025

A live video from McMichael’s bed was broadcast to the crowd in Canton. Chris Berman, Hall of Fame emcee, conveyed the defensive tackle’s message 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 McMichael

McMichael had been nominated to the Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015, and was close to being selected on two occasions before achieving it. His wife, Misty, actively fought for his admission, while ALS took away his ability to move or speak. McMichael had signed a “do not resuscitate” form in 2023, but upon learning he was a semifinalist, he told his wife he wanted to break it.

“We will never know a stronger fighter. He was also the sweetest guy I’ve ever known,” said Betsy Shepherd, McMichael’s publicist. “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 without limits”.

Betsy Shepherd, McMichael’s publicist

McMichael had eight sacks during the 1985 regular season and added another in the Super Bowl XX victory over the Patriots. He was selected as an All-Pro and controlled the interior of the line for a defense that led the league in points and yards allowed. It is considered by many to be the best in history. With 95 sacks in his career, McMichael also accumulated 847 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 3 safeties in 213 games. Although often overshadowed by Hall of Famers like Singletary and Dent, he was fundamental to the Bears’ success. Coach Mike Ditka described him as the toughest player he coached. McMichael finished his career with the Packers in 1994, but used to say that he signed with the Bears’ rival to “steal their money and beat them again.” McMichael was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 1980 NFL draft, but only played six games before being released. He played at the University of Texas, where he was selected as an All-America and became the historical leader in tackles (369) and sacks (30). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A… pic.twitter.com/yq2YHfWKmf

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 23, 2025

After his football career, “Mongo” 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. Then, he began as a commentator in WCW and in 1996 he started his career in the ring, competing with Ric Flair. He remained in the company until 1999. Born in Houston, McMichael’s parents divorced when he was about 2 years old. His mother, Betty, married E.V. McMichael, and young McMichael considered him his father and adopted his last name. He moved to Freer, Texas, and excelled in football, basketball, baseball, track and field, tennis, and golf. The Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals showed interest in him, but his parents wanted him to go to college. 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 demonstrated for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And he did,” said Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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

“Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: nobody fought longer or harder from the start to the whistle than Steve the player… And the love his teammates showed him throughout this difficult journey says it all about Steve the man.”