NFL great Steve 'Mongo' McMichael dead at 67 after ALS battle
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears star, passed away at 67 after battling ALS, leaving a legacy marked by his remarkable NFL career. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, McMichael faced severe health challenges, including multiple hospitalizations due to infections like MRSA and a UTI. Despite his health issues, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame but could not attend the ceremony, where he was honored posthumously from a hospital bed. McMichael's career highlights include winning a Super Bowl with the Bears in 1985, being a two-time Pro Bowl selectee, and making four All-Pro teams, finishing his Bears tenure with 92½ sacks. His wife, Misty, and former teammates expressed profound sorrow, with tributes highlighting his enduring impact on and off the field.
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, a Hall of Fame NFL player primarily known for his time with the Chicago Bears, died at 67 after a battle with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease he was diagnosed with in 2021.
During the final stages of his illness, McMichael was frequently hospitalized due to infections, including MRSA and a urinary tract infection, and was unresponsive for the last two weeks before his passing.
Despite his health struggles, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame but was unable to physically attend the ceremony; he was honored via video from his hospital bed wearing his bronze Hall of Fame jacket.
His storied NFL career included a pivotal role in the Chicago Bears' 1985 Super Bowl victory, alongside accolades such as two Pro Bowl selections and being named to four All-Pro teams.
McMichael concluded his Bears career with an impressive 92½ sacks, having also played for the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers during his 15-year career.
Tributes from his family and former teammates, including an emotional speech by his wife Misty, underscored his significant contributions to football and the deep personal impact he had on those around him.
Former teammate Richard Dent honored McMichael's legacy by noting that he is forever part of a team that can never be cut from, emphasizing the enduring bond between McMichael and his football family.