Chicago Mourns the Loss of Bears Legend Steve McMichael After ALS Battle
CHICAGO (Archyde.com) — Steve McMichael, the defensive powerhouse whose ferocious play and outsized personality made him a Chicago icon, died Wednesday after a courageous fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 67.
McMichael’s publicist, Betsy Shepherd, confirmed his passing, marking the end of a battle that began publicly in April 2021. News of McMichael’s passing reverberated across the NFL and the wrestling world, where he also left an indelible mark.
“Ming The merciless,” as he was known too many, was a cornerstone of the chicago Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team, a squad that captured the city’s heart with its dominant defence and colorful characters. Beyond the gridiron, McMichael’s charisma translated into a successful stint in professional wrestling, solidifying his status as a Chicago fixture for decades.
An All-Pro selection in 1985 and 1987, McMichael was inducted into the pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, a testament to his enduring impact on the game. He holds the Bears’ franchise record for consecutive games played, with 191 from 1981 to 1993. Only Richard Dent amassed more sacks in a Bears uniform than McMichael’s 92.5. He concluded his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
Whether delivering bone-jarring hits on the field or delivering colorful commentary on sports talk radio, mcmichael, also nicknamed “Mongo” after the horse-punching tough guy in “Blazing Saddles,” remained a visible and vocal presence in Chicago long after his playing days.He parlayed that popularity into a five-year run in professional wrestling during the late 1990s.
McMichael’s transition to the squared circle was seamless, his brash demeanor and unfiltered opinions resonating with wrestling fans. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during its peak, initially as a color commentator before aligning himself with Ric Flair and the infamous “Four horsemen” stable.The diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, brought McMichael’s larger-than-life persona face-to-face with a cruel reality.The disease, which attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, progressively robbed him of muscle control.”I promise you, this epitaph that I’m going to have on me now? This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end,” McMichael lamented to the chicago Tribune after his diagnosis.
The initial signs of ALS manifested as tingling in his arms, which McMichael initially attributed to neck or spine issues stemming from his football and wrestling careers. A Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon suggested the possibility of ALS in September 2020, a diagnosis that was confirmed by Chicago doctors in January 2021 after McMichael sought further medical opinions.
Pictures shared on social media by friends and former teammates chronicled McMichael’s physical decline, a stark contrast to the image of the imposing athlete who once dominated the NFL trenches.
Prior to his Hall of Fame induction, his wife, Misty McMichael, offered a poignant glimpse into his state of mind: “He’s scared to die and he shouldn’t be as he’s the most badass man I’ve ever known inside and out. He’s a good man. He’s gonna be in heaven before any of us, so I don’t know what he’s afraid of. But I’ve told him to please hang on ’til the (induction) and than, you know, I don’t want to see him suffer anymore. He’s been suffering.”
Born in Houston, steve’s parents separated when he was young. His mother, Betty, remarried to E.V. McMichael, an oil executive, whom Steve considered his true father and from whom he took his surname. The family relocated to Freer, Texas, where McMichael excelled in multiple sports, earning letters in football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and golf. Despite interest from MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals in his catching abilities, his parents encouraged him to pursue college.
McMichael’s football prowess attracted interest from approximately 75 universities. He ultimately chose the University of Texas, where he starred as a defensive lineman from 1976 to 1979.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft, McMichael’s tenure in New England was short-lived. After appearing in six games, he was released due to his hard-partying lifestyle and aggressive behavior.
“They looked at me and said, ‘Steve, we think you’re the criminal element in the league.Get out,’” McMichael recounted during his Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame induction speech in 2019.
However, the traits that led to his departure from New england were embraced in Chicago. McMichael recalled meeting with Bears founder George Halas, describing the encounter as if “I was walking into a 1920 gangster movie and he was James Cagney.”
“Papa Bear” halas welcomed his fiery nature, telling him, “You know what he said to me, guys? I’ve heard what kind of dirty rat you are in practise.Don’t change,steve.”
McMichael’s aggressive style and larger-than-life personality made him a linchpin of the Bears’ dominant defense, alongside Hall of Famers Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, and Dan Hampton. The 1985 Bears bulldozed opponents en route to the franchise’s only Super Bowl victory.
He played a total of 15 years in the NFL, 13 with Chicago before finishing his career with the rival Packers.
Did you know the 1985 chicago Bears’ Super Bowl Shuffle video went platinum and raised money for charity?
“Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO jim Porter in a statement.“And he did just that. Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: No one battled longer or harder from the snap until the whistle than Steve the player. … And the love his teammates showed him throughout this challenging journey says everything about Steve the man.”
After his football career,McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling,showcasing his versatility and entertainment skills. He cornered Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania in 1995 and later joined WCW as a commentator and in-ring performer.
Ric flair, a close friend, shared his grief on X: “The World Just Lost The Unbelievable Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being!”
McMichael also hosted a Bears pregame show on WMVP-AM and coached the Chicago Slaughter of the indoor Football League.
McMichael is survived by his wife, Misty, and their daughter, Macy. He divorced Debra McMichael in 1998 and married Misty Davenport in 2001.
While McMichael will undoubtedly be remembered for his on-field accomplishments and his larger-than-life persona, his battle with ALS also draws attention to the urgent need for more research and effective treatments for this devastating disease. Some argue that focusing solely on high-profile cases like McMichael’s overshadows the struggles of countless other individuals and families impacted by ALS. However, the increased awareness and fundraising generated by McMichael’s story can ultimately benefit the entire ALS community.
FAQ
What is ALS? ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death.
What were Steve McMichael’s nicknames? He was known as “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo.”
When was Steve McMichael inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? He was inducted in 2024. How many consecutive games did Steve McMichael play for the Chicago Bears? He played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games.
* What other career did Steve pursue after football? He worked in professional wrestling as a commentator and wrestler.
Did you know that ALS currently has no cure, but researchers are actively working to develop new treatments?
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Chicago Remembers steve McMichael: A Conversation with Sports analyst, David “Blitz” Miller
Archyde News (AN): welcome, David. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the amazing life and legacy of Steve McMichael.
David “Blitz” miller (DM): It’s my pleasure. It’s a tough day for Chicago, but we’re also celebrating the life of a true legend.
Remembering “Ming the Merciless”
AN: Steve, as we know, was more than just a football player. what made McMichael stand out on and off the field?
DM: Well, on the field, the guy was a wrecking ball.An All-Pro talent. But what really set him apart was his personality. He was raw, unfiltered, and loved by the fans. They connected with his grit. He was “Mongo,” “Ming the Merciless,” the heart of that ’85 Bears defense. He played with passion.
AN: He certainly did. The 1985 Bears Super Bowl team are etched in history. How integral was he to that success?
DM: he was a linchpin. Alongside guys like Dent, singletary, and Hampton, he was a force.McMichael was a disrupter, constantly applying pressure. Without question, he helped put the Bears in the history books, and they are still loved to this day.
From Gridiron to the Squared Circle
AN: After his NFL career,he transitioned to professional wrestling.How do you think his personality translated to that world?
DM: Seamlessly. He was already a character! His brashness, his ability to connect with an audience – it all worked perfectly. He was in great company with Ric Flair and the four Horsemen.Wrestling fans embraced “Mongo” as he was authentic.
The Battle with ALS and legacy
AN: The news of his ALS diagnosis was obviously heartbreaking. What sort of an impact did it have?
DM: The diagnosis changed him forever. He faced it the same way he did everything else: head-on. It was a cruel reality for McMichael, but the disease brought ALS awareness to a whole different level. He put up as courageous of a fight as a man could.
AN: Absolutely. Many people are suffering from this disease. His fight will help support research and support,a silver lining in this tragic situation.
AN: Steve McMichael leaves behind a great legacy. What’s the biggest thing everyone should remember?
DM: Remember the grit.Remember the passion. When Steve played football he was a monster. He never gave up. He was tough, he was a Bear, and he was a Chicagoan.He left his mark on the city, and on us!
AN: David, where do you think McMichael’s story will have on the conversation around ALS?
DM: I think it has already happened, his name will always be talked about. The need for more resources and research around ALS has increased. I think Steve raised awareness to a wider audience. It brought the reality of this disease across the world’s eyes.
AN: A very heartfelt message.David Miller thanks for your time.
DM: Thank you for having me.
