Steve “Mongo” McMichael: The Legacy of a Chicago Bears Legend
HOMER GLEN, Ill. (WGN) — Iconic Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67, following a brave struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A source confirmed that McMichael had recently transitioned to hospice care around the time of his passing.
WGN’s Jarrett Payton shared the news on social media, expressing his condolences: “With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”
A Journey from Texas to Football Fame
Born on October 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, Steve McMichael was one of four siblings raised by his mother Betty Ruth and step-father EV McMichael. The family later moved to Freer, Texas, where McMichael excelled in high school sports, earning letters in football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and golf. He especially shined in baseball, drawing interest from Major League Baseball teams.
Despite this, McMichael chose to pursue football, accepting a scholarship at the University of Texas-Austin. During his time as a defensive tackle from 1976 to 1979, he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American and named the defensive MVP of the 1979 Hula Bowl. His accolades led to his induction into both the Texas Longhorns Hall of Fame (1999) and the College Football Hall of Fame (2010).
McMichael’s NFL Legacy
McMichael’s NFL career spanned 13 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears, where he was a key player on the legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team. Over his tenure, he recorded 92.5 sacks, the second-most in Bears history, while also setting a franchise record for consecutive games played (191). He concluded his career with a short stint at the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
Known affectionately as “Mongo,” his personality and on-field tenacity made a lasting impact. Playing alongside peers such as Richard Dent and Mike Singletary, the Bears’ defense during McMichael’s years was celebrated for its exceptional performance, consistently ranking among the best in the league.
Transition to Wrestling and Beyond
After retiring from football, McMichael ventured into professional wrestling during the late 1990s, joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He initially served as a color commentator, eventually aligning with Ric Flair to form the “Four Horsemen.” He made a brief return to wrestling in 2008, refereeing a match for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s pay-per-view event, Bound for Glory.
Post-wrestling, McMichael engaged in various endeavors, including hosting a Chicago Bears pre-game show and serving as head coach for the Chicago Slaughter, a team in the Indoor Football League, from 2007 until the league’s end in 2013.
Courageous Battle Against ALS
In January 2021, McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. His battle with the disease was supported by family, friends, and fans, who organized numerous fundraisers to help cover medical expenses associated with his treatment.
During this difficult time, McMichael’s wife, Misty, played a pivotal role in his care. She noted that his determination to witness his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame motivated him through his challenging fight with the disease. While he could not attend the ceremony in Canton, Ohio, a special celebration was held at their home in Homer Glen to honor his induction.
Conclusion
Steve “Mongo” McMichael leaves behind a rich legacy as a remarkable athlete, a fierce competitor, and a beloved figure in both the football and wrestling communities. His spirit and contributions to sports will not be forgotten by fans across Chicago and beyond.
