Steve McMichael, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle who was a key player on the Chicago Bears’ renowned 1985 Super Bowl-winning team, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 67 after a prolonged battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Widely known by the nickname “Mongo,” McMichael is remembered as one of the top defensive tackles in NFL history and a distinctive figure in the Bears’ navy and orange.
“It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. He emphasized that McMichael’s true strength lay in his inner resolve, with which he handled his illness with dignity. Every day, Steve demonstrated quiet strength, compassion, and an enduring example of dignity and resilience.
McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in January 2021. Despite his health challenges, he realized his aspiration of entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. He received his gold jacket and bust during a special event at his home, as he was unable to travel to Canton, Ohio.
During the poignant home ceremony, former teammate and Hall of Famer Richard Dent addressed McMichael: “Steve, we’re here with all your world champion brothers,” Dent said. “Back in Canton, we have 378 brothers that are looking for you. You’re on a team that you can never be cut from.”
McMichael played 15 seasons in the NFL, including 13 with the Bears from 1981 to 1993. He set a franchise record by playing in 191 consecutive games for the Bears. His career accolades include two first-team All-Pro selections (1985, 1987), three second-team All-Pro honors, and two Pro Bowl appearances.
Born in Texas, McMichael recorded 92.5 sacks with the Bears, ranking second in team history behind Richard Dent. His career total of 95 sacks places him fourth all-time among NFL defensive tackles. Over 213 NFL games, McMichael amassed 847 tackles.
His wife, Misty McMichael, shared her thoughts with the Associated Press before his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2024, revealing the emotional complexity of their journey. Despite Steve’s apprehensions about death, she viewed him as the most “badass” man she had ever known. Her pride and heartbreak were evident as she spoke of his courage and suffering. She expressed a desire for him to experience the Hall of Fame honor while also hoping his suffering would not persist much longer, highlighting the harsh reality of his battle with ALS.
Although McMichael was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 270 pounds, considered modest for a defensive tackle, he excelled in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s “46” defense through his strength, agility, and football acumen. His ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks made him highly valuable.
The New England Patriots initially drafted McMichael in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft. Released before his second season, he found his place with the Bears. Ironically, McMichael later contributed to the Bears’ dominance over his former team in Super Bowl XX, where Chicago’s defense limited the Patriots to 123 total yards in a 46-10 win.
McMichael was a crucial part of what many consider the best defensive unit in NFL history. Alongside Hall of Famers Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, and Dan Hampton, McMichael helped build a formidable defense during the Bears’ 1985 season.
Former teammate Mike Singletary, speaking at McMichael’s Hall of Fame home ceremony in 2024, commented on his friend’s perseverance: “I’m really excited for him,” Singletary said. “It’s been a long haul. It’s been tough. He’s been through a lot: blood, sweat, and tears on the field.”
After retiring from football in 1994, following a final season with the Green Bay Packers, McMichael pursued a career in professional wrestling. He worked with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s as a commentator and performer, notably joining the “Four Horsemen” group.
Throughout his confrontation with ALS, McMichael continued to display the fighting spirit of his playing days. In 2021, he was awarded the first ALS Courage Award by the Les Turner ALS Foundation for his public battle and efforts to raise awareness.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter reflected on McMichael’s tenacity, stating he faced ALS with the same determination he showed during his 15-year NFL career. Porter noted that anyone who faced Steve on the field knew he was a formidable competitor.
Before his NFL tenure, McMichael was a standout player at the University of Texas, earning induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020. His journey from Texas to Chicago to Canton is considered one of the most notable in the history of football.
In a 2021 interview, McMichael expressed no regrets about his football career despite the challenges of ALS: “Hell yes, I would do it all over again,” he told the Chicago Tribune. “Because it’s that journey that’s the reward. It’s that climb and how hard it was to substantiate yourself as out of the ordinary.”
McMichael is survived by his wife, Misty, and their daughter, Macy. His impact as a top defensive tackle and key figure in Bears history, along with his courage in battling ALS, will be remembered by football fans for years to come.
