CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears family lost a defensive legend and NFL Hall of Famer.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, who had been battling ALS for the last three years, died at 5:28 p.m. on Wednesday.
McMichael was 67.
“Mongo” was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame last February as a senior member alongside fellow former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers. Earlier Wednesday, the McMichael family said Mongo would be moved into hospice care.
“I told him, babe, there’s another life out there,” Misty McMichael, his wife, told FOX 32 Chicago Wednesday. “Hold a spot for me.”
Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, McMichael drew admiration from those who played with him in the NFL, loved him outside the game and garnered both from those who idolized him during his playing days with the Bears.
“He’s a fighter, he’s a battler,” Former Bears linebacker Ron Rivera said in August 2021. “This struggle he is going through epitomizes who he is as a man.”
McMichael has been immortalized as a Bears fan favorite from the Super Bowl XX Champion Bears team. He was known for his larger-than-life personality. That’s how he earned the nicknames “Mongo,” “Ming the Merciless” and “Ming.”
That stemmed from his playing days, where he won two Super Bowls in his 15-year career. He was also a two-time NFL First Team All-Pro in 1985 and 1987, as well as a two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection in 1986 and 1987.
According to the Chicago Tribune, McMichael’s original moniker was “76” after he came over from the New England Patriots. That was customary for former Bears’ defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who only referred to new players by their number.
By the 1985 season, Mongo had earned the nickname “Tex,” which paid homage to his roots in Texas and deemed him as a key part of the 1985 Bears defense that would become one of the best in NFL history. McMichael entered the Hall of Fame alongside Bears teammates along the defensive line Richard Dent and Dan Hampton.
In his NFL career, spanning three teams, McMichael recorded 847 tackles, 95 sacks, three safeties, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries and one interception.
After his football career, McMichael was the 1997 WCW United States Heavyweight Champion. He ran for mayor in Romeoville, Illinois. He got 39 percent of the vote, but lost the race to incumbent John Noak. McMichael didn’t completely leave football, either. He was the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League from 2007 until 2013.
His former teammates and those who knew him best remember him as a caring man in juxtaposition to the hard-hitting football player the public knew him as.
“It was an honor to call Steve a teammate,” Former Bears wide receiver and current ESPN 1000 radio host Tom Waddle wrote in a post on X. “He was a Hall of Fame player. He was tough as nails. He was a kind and caring, gentle giant of a man. One of the all time greats, on so many fronts.”
ALS took his ability to speak, but it didn’t take away McMichael’s personality.
“I was here a month ago and Misty said, ‘Hey, Steve wrote a message for you.’” Former Bears safety Gary Fencik said in August 2024. “It was, ‘Hey, hit man, how you doing?’ It was so fun, but the work that he had to do to get that and a lot.”
Misty McMichael Interview:
Misty stood by her husband’s side through every step of his ALS battle—administering medication, offering constant love and care, and working to raise awareness about the disease.
“The last two weeks were hard. He’s been in the hospital a lot. They told me there’s nothing else they can do,” Misty said.
Steve McMichael was placed in hospice care just hours before his passing Wednesday afternoon at Joliet’s Lightways.
Plans for a public memorial are underway, with details to be announced. McMichael is survived by Misty and their 17-year-old daughter.
“He wants to be cremated and his ashes mixed with mine or put in my casket. That’s what a soul mate is. We’re gonna be together in the next life too. I told him, ‘Go find our spot, baby,’” Misty said.
What they’re saying:
Steve McMichael’s siblings released a heartfelt statement Wednesday night following the passing of their brother:
“As Steve McMichael’s siblings, we are saddened by the passing of our dearly beloved brother. His wonderful journey of life continues into the heavens. Thank you to the fans, Chicago Bears, City of Chicago, ESPN, NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Police Department, Will County Sheriff’s Office, Romeoville Police & Fire Departments, Silver Cross Hospital, Homer Glen EMS, his ex-caregivers, Obvious Shirts, Betsy Shepherd & Texas Football for your support of our superstar. Graciously, Richard, Sharon, and Kathy McMichael.”
The NFL issued a statement Wednesday evening:
“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,” NFL officials said.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey and the Bears organization also paid tribute:
“It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease,” Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. “Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal, and he demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity and his humanity. He is at peace now. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve’s family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear.”
“Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael was a Bears legend, and his courageous battle against ALS inspired us all. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and teammates,” the team said.
National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning also released a statement on McMichael’s passing:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve McMichael, a true legend of our game and a beloved member of the College Football Hall of Fame,” said Manning. “Steve played with unmatched tenacity and heart, and his accomplishment clearly place him among the greatest to ever play our game. His battle with ALS showed the same strength and spirit that defined him as a player. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all the Longhorn fans across the country.”
What’s next:
Now, McMichael can be remembered forever as a Hall of Fame player and a figure in Chicago sports whose stories will carry for future generations.
“ALS attacks the organs and has attacked all his organs except his heart,” Misty McMichael, his wife, told FOX 32 Chicago Wednesday morning. “His heart is perfect.”
