The sports word today mourns the loss of NFL Hall of Famer and WCW star Steve “Mongo” McMichael. He was 67. The announcement was shared with the world by Jarrett Payton, Walter’s son. McMichael had been diagnosed with ALS, an incurable degenerative nerve disease (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in January 2021. He had been taken off a ventilator in the ICU prior to entering a hospice facility.

Within months of his diagnosis, McMichael lost the use of his muscles and was no longer able to speak. In September of 2021, he was named the first recipient of the ALS Courage Award.

McMichael’s Storied Bears’ Career

Born in Houston Texas on Oct. 17, 1957, McMichael played his college ball at the University of Texas where he was a consensus All-American at defensive tackle.  McMichael was selected in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, but he lasted only one season with them before he was released. The Bears signed him as a free agent in 1981, but McMichael didn’t become a full-time starter with Chicago until 1983.

But when he did it was a match made in heaven as was perfect fit for Bears‘ defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s historic 46 defense. With his tenacity and power, he was the centerpiece of Ryan’s defensive scheme. He played with long hair and a motor that wouldn’t quit, and he became a disruptive and feared defender for Chicago.

A ferocious interior pass rusher, he played in a club-record 191 consecutive games from 1981 through 1993. McMichael racked up at least seven sacks in seven straight seasons from 1983 through 1989, including a team and career-high of 11.5 in 1988. Together with Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and William “Refrigerator” Perry, they composed one of the intimidating defensive lines of all time.

Super Bowl XX

During Chicago’s fabulous 15-1 Super Bowl bound campaign of 1985, McMichael contributed 44 tackles and eight sacks. This earned him his first of two first-team All-Pro honors. In the Super Bowl against the Patriots, McMichael had one of the team’s seven sacks in the 46-10 shellacking of New England. The Patriots could only muster 123 total yards in the game, and Chicago exploited six New England turnovers. This is the Bears’ first and only Super Bowl-winning season.

In all McMichael played 13 seasons with the Bears through the 1993 season. He capped off his NFL career with the nemesis Green Bay Packers. He started all 14 games for the Pack, and he played in the playoffs that year to put the icing on a career that saw eight postseason appearances. He also was named to two Pro Bowls. For his accomplishments as an NFL stalwart, he was inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame in August of 2024

WCW and WWE WrestleMania

But McMichael couldn’t stay out of the headlines for too long. He made his way into the world of professional wrestling. He joined the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) officially in 1996. But before that, he appeared as part of New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor’s crew in WrestleMania’s XI main event in 1995.

When he joined the WCW, “Mongo” served as a color commentator, but he still had time to jump into the ring a couple more times. For a while. he was a tag team partner of fellow NFL star, Kevin Greene, until he became his rival. He would late join the famed Four Horsemen group that included Ric Flair. McMichael would also go on to wrestle another NFL Hall of Famer, Reggie White.

Post Wrestling Life and Tributes

After his wrestling days were over, McMichael did some radio work and from 2007 through 2013, he was the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter, an indoor football team. Tributes have started to pour in honoring McMichael and his career.

Jarrett Payton, his Hall of Fame presenter said in his announcement. “Four years ago today, I stood beside Steve McMichael as he bravely shared his ALS diagnosis. With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers.”

Wrestling Legend Ric Flair said. “The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete and Human Being! I Have the Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is an Extremely Heartbreaking Loss for Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell of a Battle! Rest In Peace My Friend!”

Our condolences go out to his wife Misty and the entire McMichael family.