The NFL lost one of its toughest warriors.
A key member of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears has played his final down.
And this ’85 Bears legend’s death has NFL fans shedding tears.
NFL announces the passing of Hall of Famer Steve “Mongo” McMichael
Football fans across America are mourning the loss of Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, who passed away at age 67 following a courageous battle with ALS.
The NFL announced McMichael’s death on Wednesday through their official X account, delivering the news that many had feared was coming after reports earlier in the day that the legendary defensive tackle had entered hospice care.
McMichael’s wife, Misty, had revealed to FOX 32 Chicago that her husband had been “unresponsive for the last two weeks” before being admitted to hospice.Â
The football great had been fighting a series of serious health complications that had intensified in recent months.
His condition had deteriorated significantly over the past year as he battled multiple infections, including MRSA and a urinary tract infection that had left him hospitalized repeatedly throughout 2024.
A Hall of Fame induction from his hospital bed
In a bittersweet moment that touched football fans everywhere, McMichael received the call to Canton last year when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.Â
He joined an impressive group that included Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, and Randy Gradishar.
The cruel irony of this long-overdue honor was that McMichael’s battle with ALS had progressed to the point where he was unable to travel to Canton for the induction ceremony.Â
Instead, in one of the most emotional moments in Hall of Fame history, McMichael appeared on the video board dressed in his bronze Hall of Fame jacket, surrounded by loved ones from his hospital bed.
His sister Kathy delivered a speech they had worked on together before ALS robbed McMichael of his ability to move and speak.
“I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in,” Kathy McMichael said on her brother’s behalf. “I played 15 years in the NFL and loved every minute of every down. I played with the greatest players and the greatest defense to this day.”
Former Bears teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Richard Dent added a powerful tribute during the ceremony:Â
“You are on a team that you can never be cut from and never be released from. When you die, you’ll always be on this team. Welcome home, Steve. You’re in football heaven forever.”
In a moment that brought tears to viewers’ eyes, McMichael’s wife Misty turned her husband toward his bronze bust and said, “That’s you, baby, forever.”
The heart of the most dominant defense in NFL history
Few players embodied the toughness and ferocity of the Chicago Bears quite like Steve “Mongo” McMichael.Â
He was a cornerstone of what many consider the greatest defense in NFL history – the 1985 Bears unit that terrorized opposing offenses and carried the team to a dominant Super Bowl XX victory.
McMichael spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Bears, becoming a fan favorite for his relentless playing style and larger-than-life personality. He was selected to two Pro Bowls and earned four All-Pro honors during his illustrious career.
By the time he hung up his cleats, McMichael had amassed an impressive 92½ sacks in a Bears uniform, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His career also included stints with the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers at the beginning and end of his 15-year NFL journey.
After his football career, McMichael remained a beloved figure in Chicago. He briefly ventured into professional wrestling with WCW, coached in the XFL, and became a regular presence on Chicago sports radio, where his colorful personality and football insights made him a natural broadcaster.
A fighter to the very end
McMichael’s battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, began in 2021 when he publicly announced his diagnosis. The disease, which progressively attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually robbed the once-powerful defensive tackle of his physical abilities.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, McMichael approached his fight with ALS with the same determination and grit that made him a force on the football field. His struggle with the disease raised awareness about ALS and inspired countless fans who remembered him as the heart of the feared “Monsters of the Midway” defense.
In August 2023, McMichael required a blood transfusion shortly after his Hall of Fame induction, one of many medical interventions he needed as his condition worsened.Â
Through it all, Misty McMichael remained steadfastly by her husband’s side, becoming his voice and advocate as the disease progressed.
McMichael’s passing marks the end of an era for Bears fans who witnessed the dominance of that legendary 1985 squad.Â
His teammates and fans alike will remember him not only for his prowess on the field but also for his courage in the face of a devastating illness.
The football world has lost a true warrior, but Steve “Mongo” McMichael’s legacy as a player, teammate, and fighter will live on in Chicago Bears history and in the hallowed halls of Canton.
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