Chicago Bears Legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael Dies at 67 After Battle with ALS
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Chicago, IL — Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a fearsome defensive tackle for the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears and a recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, has died at the age of 67 after a courageous three-year battle with ALS. One of the Bears’ most enduring figures will be missed upon his passing. A Pillar of the ’85 Bears Dynasty
McMichael was a cornerstone of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense, widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history. Alongside Hall of Famers like Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, and Mike Singletary, “Mongo” anchored the defensive line with a relentless, bruising style that embodied the team’s intimidating identity. That season, the Bears dominated the league with a 15-1 record, steamrolling opponents en route to a Super Bowl XX victory over the New England Patriots.
McMichael’s contributions were crucial, despite being frequently overlooked by larger names. A two-time Pro Bowler (1986, 1987) and two-time First-Team All-Pro (1985, 1987), he finished his Bears career with 92.5 sacks (unofficially, as sacks weren’t an official stat until 1982), ranking second in franchise history behind only Dent. He played in 191 consecutive games, demonstrating his endurance, which was remarkable.
Honor in the Hall of Fame, long overdue For years, McMichael’s Hall of Fame candidacy was debated, with many believing he deserved recognition sooner. In February 2024, he was finally elected as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. Due to his declining health, he was unable to attend the induction ceremony in August, but his legacy was celebrated by teammates and fans alike.
“Steve was the heart and soul of our defense,” said Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent. “He never got the credit he deserved, but we knew how great he was.”
Career After the NFL: Wrestling Stardom After retiring from the NFL in 1994, McMichael transitioned to professional wrestling, joining WCW (World Championship Wrestling) as “Mongo.” Along with Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, he established himself as a pivotal figure in the Four Horsemen, one of the most well-known factions in wrestling. He was a natural performer due to his enormous personality. Brave Fight Against ALS
In 2021, McMichael was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. He remained in the public eye despite the physical toll, with support from former teammates and the Bears organization. In recent months, he faced multiple hospitalizations for infections and pneumonia but continued to fight until the end.
Tributes Pour In
The NFL and wrestling communities have expressed an outpouring of grief. Bears chairman George McCaskey called him “a Bear through and through,” while WWE legend Ric Flair tweeted, “Mongo was a warrior on the field and in the ring. Rest easy, my friend.”
McMichael is survived by his wife, Misty, and daughter, Macy. His legacy as a Chicago sports icon, a Super Bowl champion, and now a Hall of Famer will endure forever.
Final Thought: Steve McMichael wasn’t just a football player—he was a symbol of Chicago’s blue-collar grit. From the trenches of Soldier Field to the wrestling ring, “Mongo” left an indelible mark. He was “the punky QB’s nightmare,” according to the Bears’ well-known “Super Bowl Shuffle.” Today, the city of Chicago and football fans everywhere mourn a true legend.
