Chicago Bears legend Steven Douglas McMichael passed away on Wednesday evening.
Better known by his nickname, 'Mongo', the 67-year-old had battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for years. The same day he was moved into hospice, McMichael died.
The impact that Mongo had in Chicago was unprecedented
McMichael was released before he could begin his second season with the New England Patriots. The tackle sat out the 1980 NFL season before signing with the Bears.
He eventually was moved into the starting lineup and became an instrumental member of the Bears during their Super Bowl XX victory. McMichael extracted a bit of revenge as Chicago took down his former team, the Patriots, in that title game. To date, it is still the only NFL championship that Chicago has won.
"Thank God New England got rid of me. Some teams, they want you to have a certain image. Other teams, like this one, they just want you to get down and dirty. I'm really proud to be a Bear. The Patriots, yeah, they thought I was a little weird. And I guess I am. But here they don't care, long as you play hard. The town, the coach, the team — it's Steve McMichael. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."Steve McMichael, former Bears' tackle
In 1988, 'Mongo' had the most sacks for the Bears with 11.5 that season. He had 108 tackles a season after. McMichael was named to two Pro Bowl teams prior to those seasons, as well.
His tenacity and physicality were relished by his teammates and coaching staff. His devilish aggressiveness helped him amass 666 total tackles and 95 sacks.
McMichael also recorded three safeties and three interceptions during his storied career. Additionally, he forced 16 fumbles and had 17 fumble recoveries between his time with all three teams.
After retiring from the NFL, McMichael became the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter. In the seven years he was there, the team captured a championship in the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) in 2009.
"For 13 years, I helped the Bears beat the Packers every year. I whupped their ass, right? So the last year, I went up there on my last leg and I wasn't any good anymore. So I stole their money and whipped their ass again!""Steve McMichael, former Bears' tackle
The former Texas Longhorn has been inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (2010) and the NFL's Hall of Fame (2024). McMichael also took up professional wrestling as he was a member of the Four Horsemen stable in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) alongside Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, among others.
'Mongo' was once married to Debra Marshall. Following his divorce, he tied the knot with Misty Davenport. Exactly three years after McMichael announced that he had ALS, he passed away from the neurodegenerative disease.
His legacy and impact on Chicago Bears' football will live on, however. McMichael is a champion, Hall of Famer and beloved father, husband and friend.