Steve McMichael, Bears Icon and Hall of Fame Fighter, Dies at 67

Steve “Mongo” McMichael also called Steve Mcmichael, a huge name in American football and a beloved Chicago Bears hero, died on April 23, 2025. He was 67 years old. He died after a brave fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease that was first identified in 2021. ​

Early Life and College Career

Steve McMichael was born in Houston, Texas, on October 17, 1957. He was very good at sports from a very young age. During secondary school in Freer, Texas, he did very well in several games. Because he wanted to play football, he went to the University of Texas and became a great defensive player there. During college, he set school records for sacks and total stops. All three of his teachers put him on the first team of All-Americans.

NFL Career: The Heart of the Bears’ Defense

The New England Patriots drafted McMichael in the third round of the NFL Draft in 1980. Nevertheless, it was not until he became a member of the Chicago Bears in 1981 that his actual career began. He played for the Bears for 13 years and was a key part of their famous “46 defense,” which was known for being tough and fierce. ​

McMichael was the most durable player in team history; he played in a franchise-record 191 straight games. His career stats show how much of an effect he had on the field: ​

Total NFL Games Played: 213

• Total Sacks: 95 (92.5 with the Bears, ranking second in team history)
• Total Tackles: 847
• Forced Fumbles: 13
• Fumble Recoveries: 17
• Interceptions: 2
• Safeties: 3​

In 1985, he was a big reason why the Bears won Super Bowl XX. That season, the defense only let up 10 points in three playoff games. ​

Beyond the Gridiron: Wrestling and Media Ventures

McMichael moved from football to professional wrestling upon resigning. He worked in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the mid-1990s. He became a member of the legendary “Four Horsemen” stable and held the US Heavyweight Championship.

Steve McMichael also made a name for himself in radio, calling Bears games and hosting sports talk shows. His charming nature made him even more popular with fans. ​

Personal Life and Advocacy

In private life, McMichael was also outspoken and powerful. Once informed he had ALS, he became a prominent individual who fought to make the disease known. The mission of getting him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was accomplished in 2024, thanks largely to his wife, Misty’s efforts.

Even though his health was getting worse, McMichael was still a sign of strength and drive, and his unwavering spirit inspired many. ​

Legacy and Tributes

There are many things that Steve McMichael left behind besides his sports successes. Both on and off the field, he showed what it means to be persistent. Fans, past players, and people in the sports world as a whole paid tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the game and the people he touched. ​

As we remember “Mongo,” we celebrate a life defined by passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.