The city of Chicago and the sports world at large are today mourning the loss of a Bears legend, Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, who passed away at the age of 67 on Wednesday, after a valiant struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
A stalwart of the Bears' fabled 1985 defense, McMichael's indomitable spirit carried him from the football field to the wrestling ring, and eventually to a battle with a relentless neurodegenerative disease that ravaged his once vigorous body – a battle he fought with the same ferocity he was known for on the gridiron, even after being placed in hospice care earlier the day he passed when he was also taken off a ventilator following time in intensive care, according to a source who confirmed the news to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The towering figure, affectionately deemed 'Mongo', leaves behind a legacy that includes a Chicago Bears franchise record of 191 consecutive starts, 92.5 career sacks with the Bears, and a hard-earned spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as noted by the WGN News. McMichael's tenure with the Bears stretched from 1981 until 1994, punctuating his career with a final season for the Green Bay Packers.
McMichael transitioned to the world of professional wrestling after his NFL career, entering the ring as well as providing commentary, most notably with WCW's Four Horsemen, becoming a one-time WCW United States champion, his presence in the square circle underscored the larger-than-life persona that had been a trademark throughout his days as a defensive tackle and his willingness to cling to his fierce approach was emblematic of his struggle with ALS, as he fought to hold on long enough to witness his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2024 – a sentiment echoed when his wife, Misty McMichael, said he wanted to view his enshrinement before passing away, as per the Sun-Times.
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael is survived by his wife Misty and their daughter Macy, and his memory is upheld by countless fans, former teammates, and the Chicago community, which came together in his time of need to assist with his medical expenses through fundraisers and tributes; the legacy of his football accomplishments and his defiant stand against illness is enshrined not just in Canton, Ohio, but in the hearts of those he inspired within and outside the world of sports.
