Remembering Steve “Mongo” McMichael: From Gridiron Great to ALS Warrior
Steve “Mongo” McMichael—iconic Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Super Bowl champion, and Pro Football Hall of Famer—passed away on April 23, 2025, at age 67, after four years of bravely confronting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). McMichael’s life embodied both the ferocity of a dominant NFL lineman and the heart of a compassionate advocate. His transition from celebrated athlete to public face of the ALS fight highlighted a profound inner strength that inspired teammates, fans, and the broader community alike.
Early Years and Rise to Prominence
Born February 18, 1957, in Houston, Texas, Steve McMichael grew up with a passion for athletics. At the University of Texas, he excelled as a defensive lineman, earning recognition for his explosive power and relentless work ethic. McMichael’s college career set the stage for his selection in the third round of the 1981 NFL Draft by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.
Collegiate Success at Texas
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Dominant Presence. At Texas, McMichael’s blend of strength and agility disrupted opposing offenses. Across four seasons, he amassed impressive tackle and sack numbers, earning All-Conference honors.
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Leadership Qualities. McMichael’s fiery competitiveness and team-first mentality made him a natural leader in the locker room, foreshadowing his future as a stabilizing force on the Bears’ defensive front.
Becoming a Bear: Draft Day to Defensive Mainstay
Drafted in 1981
Selected 61st overall, McMichael joined a Bears franchise eager to rebuild under head coach Mike Ditka. Early challenges on a struggling team only fueled his intensity:
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Rookie Adjustment. Transitioning to the NFL’s speed and physicality, McMichael sharpened his technique under veteran mentors.
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Earning Respect. Known affectionately as “Mongo” after George Peppard’s character on The A-Team, he quickly established himself as a disruptive force—calling out assignments, rallying teammates, and exhibiting the toughness Chicago fans would come to revere.
The Making of a Defensive Pillar
Over the next several seasons, McMichael’s skill set evolved:
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Versatility on the Line. Transitioning between 3-4 defensive end and 4-3 defensive tackle alignments, he mastered gap control, quarterback pressure, and run-stuffing.
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Nickname Born of Tenacity. “Mongo” wasn’t just a moniker—it symbolized McMichael’s bulldog mentality, reflecting his willingness to absorb double teams, hustle downfield, and rally the defense after every play.
Peak of Greatness: The 1985 Super Bowl Championship
The 1985 Bears Defense
No discussion of McMichael’s career is complete without spotlighting the legendary 1985 Bears:
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Historic Dominance. Anchored by Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, and Dan Hampton, Chicago’s defense allowed a league-fewest points, shutting down both the rush and the pass.
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Mongo’s Role. As a starting defensive tackle, McMichael’s interior presence collapsed pockets and plugged running lanes, enabling linebackers to roam freely. His intensity set the tone for a unit that pitched seven shutouts in just 16 games.
Super Bowl XX Triumph
On January 26, 1986, the Bears faced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX—a defensive showcase:
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Scoreboard Mastery. Chicago overwhelmed New England 46–10, thanks largely to relentless pressure led by McMichael and his defensive cohorts.
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Memorable Moments. McMichael’s forced fumble and key tackles in the fourth quarter punched the victory seal, earning him praise for his performance on football’s grandest stage.
Career Accolades and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
Honors and Recognition
Across 13 NFL seasons—12 with the Bears and one with the Green Bay Packers—McMichael compiled:
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Pro Bowl Selections. Twice named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad for standout performances.
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Team Captains. Consistently chosen as a defensive captain, reflecting his leadership both on and off the field.
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Statistical Milestones. Over 80 career sacks (though unofficially tracked until 1982), hundreds of tackles, and numerous quarterback pressures that never made the box score.
2024 Hall of Fame Induction
After years of near-misses, McMichael finally received football’s highest honor:
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Culminating Achievement. In August 2024, surrounded by family, former teammates, and countless Bears fans, McMichael stepped onto the Hall of Fame stage in Canton, Ohio. Despite ALS already affecting his speech and mobility, he delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating teammates and coaches, reflecting on a career built on resilience and teamwork.
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Bittersweet Tribute. The ceremony served as both a capstone to his athletic legacy and a celebration of the courage that defined his post-NFL life.
Confronting ALS: Diagnosis and Determination
A Life-Altering Revelation
In the spring of 2021, McMichael surprised fans and medical observers alike by announcing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The news reverberated across the sports world:
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About ALS. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS progressively destroys motor neurons, causing muscle weakness, loss of mobility, speech impairment, and eventually respiratory failure. Life expectancy after diagnosis averages two to five years.
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Immediate Reaction. McMichael’s announcement prompted an outpouring of support: former teammates, opponents, and fans sent well-wishes, donations, and messages of solidarity to the Les Turner ALS Foundation and other research organizations.
Embracing the Fight
True to his competitive nature, McMichael refused to be defined by his illness:
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Public Advocacy. He became a visible ambassador for ALS awareness, attending fundraisers, speaking to TV crews, and sharing updates on his condition—always framing ALS as “the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced.”
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Maintaining Positivity. In interviews, McMichael often reflected on the compassion shown by friends and strangers alike, crediting that support with bolstering his resolve. “Compassion is the spark that keeps me going,” he said in a 2022 Les Turner Foundation feature.
Daily Life with ALS: Trials and Triumphs
Progression of the Disease
As months passed, ALS steadily diminished McMichael’s physical capabilities:
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Early Symptoms. Slurred speech and mild muscle weakness prompted medical evaluation, culminating in the diagnosis.
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Advancing Limitations. Tasks once effortless—walking, writing, even swallowing—became daily challenges. Adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, assistive communication devices) provided partial independence but could not halt the disease’s inexorable march.
The Power of Family Support
Central to McMichael’s journey was the unwavering dedication of his wife, Misty, and their children:
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Misty’s Care. From administering medications to helping with mobility and personal care, Misty became both caregiver and advocate. In media interviews, she spoke candidly about the emotional toll—yet affirmed her gratitude for every moment spent together.
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Children’s Love. Their adult children maintained a circle of light around their father, sharing memories on social media, participating in charity events, and ensuring family gatherings remained joyful amid adversity.
The Final Chapter: Hospice Care and Last Goodbyes
Transition to Hospice
By April 2025, McMichael’s condition necessitated specialized end-of-life care. Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois, recommended a hospice transfer:
“We arrived at the decision with profound sadness,” Misty recounted in an emotional Fox 32 Chicago interview. “But we wanted Steve to be comfortable and surrounded by family as he faced this final stretch.”
He was moved to a hospice facility in Joliet, where a dedicated palliative team focused on symptom management and maintaining dignity.
Misty’s Reflections
In those poignant last days:
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Closeness and Compassion. Although he communicated only sporadically, McMichael’s presence radiated the same warmth that endeared him to teammates.
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Unspoken Bonds. Misty described whispering memories into his ear—touchdowns celebrated, Super Bowl confetti raining, quiet family moments—that she believed he heard and cherished.
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Letting Go. “Twenty-four years of marriage, 27 together… it was the hardest thing to let go,” Misty said, tears welling as she spoke of her “hero” husband’s passing.
On April 23, surrounded by loved ones, Steve McMichael drew his final breath—leaving behind a legacy forged in both gridiron glory and unflinching bravery.
Community Tributes and the Bears’ Homage
Chicago Bears Statement
Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey captured the organization’s collective grief:
“It is a cruel irony that our ‘Ironman’ was felled by this merciless disease. Yet throughout his battle, Steve demonstrated that his greatest strength lay within—his character, his dignity, and his humanity.”
The team lowered the stadium flag to half-mast, observed a moment of silence at Soldier Field, and designated April 30 as “Mongo McMichael Day,” inviting fans to wear his retired No. 76 in tribute.
Teammates and Rivals Remembered
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Mike Singletary. The Hall of Fame linebacker hailed McMichael as the “heartbeat” of Chicago’s fierce defense.
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Richard Dent. The fellow Hall of Famer saluted “Mongo” as the ultimate teammate, recalling late-night film sessions and pregame speeches that rallied the Bears.
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Opponents’ Respect. Even rivals spoke of McMichael’s relentless pursuit style—never malicious, always intense—and his postgame grace, shaking hands and offering praise.
ALS Awareness Amplified by a Legend
McMichael’s public battle elevated ALS beyond a medical diagnosis—it became a personal call to action:
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Fundraising Milestones. The Steve “Mongo” McMichael ALS Fund, established in 2021, surpassed $2 million in donations by early 2025, supporting research grants and patient services.
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Legislative Advocacy. Inspired by McMichael’s visibility, Illinois lawmakers introduced measures to expand Medicaid coverage for ALS patients’ equipment and in-home care.
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Research Momentum. Scientists at the Les Turner Foundation cited his story as instrumental in recruiting study participants for clinical trials examining novel treatments.
Hall of Fame Farewell: A Legacy Cemented
Though McMichael’s health precluded full physical attendance, his presence was deeply felt at the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
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Tribute Video. A highlight reel—Super Bowl hits, Pro Bowl snaps, off-field interviews—played as his Hall of Fame bust was unveiled.
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Family’s Honor. Misty accepted the induction on his behalf, wearing his Bears jersey and proclaiming, “Steve always said he lived ten lives. Today, we celebrate every single one.”
This final public acknowledgment underscored a career that transcended statistics—a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.
Lessons from a Life Well Lived
Courage in the Face of Adversity
Steve McMichael’s journey teaches that dignity and grace can coexist with struggle. Whether confronting 300-pound offensive tackles or a ruthless neurological disease, he demonstrated that true strength arises from the heart.
The Power of Community
McMichael’s story illustrates how sports heroes can galvanize communities beyond the playing field. His battle united fans, athletes, researchers, and lawmakers in a shared mission: to honor his fight by advancing hope for all living with ALS.
Enduring Inspiration
To future generations—football players, caregivers, and anyone facing life’s challenges—McMichael’s life remains a beacon:
“Every man lives,” he once said, “but not every man really lives. And I’ve lived ten lives.”
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Chapter in Bears Lore
Steve “Mongo” McMichael’s passing is a moment of profound loss for Chicago, the NFL, and the countless individuals impacted by his story. Yet his legacy endures—in Super Bowl lore, Hall of Fame annals, and, most poignantly, in the ongoing quest to conquer ALS. Through triumph and trial, McMichael embodied the spirit of relentless pursuit—on the gridiron and beyond—and leaves behind a blueprint for courage, compassion, and community that will resonate for generations to come.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.