Chicago Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael dies after ALS battle
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Steve McMichael #76 removes his helmet during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 30, 1990. Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Chicago Bears Hall of Fame legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael has died at age 67 after a long bout with ALS.
The big picture: McMichael's death came just hours after it was announced he was being taken off a ventilator and moved into hospice.
Context: McMichael was one of the colorful characters on the legendary 1985 Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He was a starter on a defense that included Hall of Fame players like Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary.
- McMichael is third on the Bears' all-time sack list (95).
- He was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, voted in by the Hall of Fame's seniors committee.
Zoom out: The Texas native brought his big personality to Chicago in 1981, and even though he played for other teams in his career, he returned after retiring to live in the area.
- McMichael was also a one-time professional wrestler, a restaurateur and a football analyst.
- Mongo was famous for rattlesnake hunting and for being an unpredictable live interview in the locker room and on post-game shows.
- He once famously handcuffed sports anchor Mark Giangreco to his desk on live television.
In 2021, the larger-than-life personality was diagnosed with ALS, which confined him to a bed ever since.
The bottom line: Mongo was and forever will be a Chicago folk hero, on and off the field.