Stephen “Mongo” McMichael, the legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle, passed away at the age of 67 due to ALS, as confirmed by a family representative to ABC7 on Wednesday.
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McMichael was known for his fierce presence on the football field, where he dominated rival quarterbacks with his strength and intimidation, ultimately contributing to the 1985 Bears’ championship win.
And that is how the former defensive tackle wanted to be remembered.
As a key player in the Bears’ renowned “46 defense,” McMichael earned All-Pro honors during the team’s victorious 1985 Super Bowl campaign and again in 1987. He holds the franchise record for playing 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993, concluding his career with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
During his 13 seasons with the Bears, McMichael placed himself firmly in the record books, with the second most sacks in team history and ranks behind only Hall of Famer Richard Dent, and third most tackles. He was a ferocious on-field presence that had no off switch.
But it was after football that the Texas native became synonymous with Chicago, as the city embraced Mongo as a wrestler, performer, coach and radio personality. He even unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Romeoville in 2013. The city affectionately nicknamed him “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo” after the character in “Blazing Saddles” who knocked out a horse.
MORE: Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael officially inducted into Hall of Fame from his Homer Glen home
He was larger than life, with a fearless personality that remained when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, with a 36-month onset.
“I’ve turned into, from the entertainer to just somebody in the house, a fan. I’m so glad football season’s on; I get to sit here and watch games. I had taken for granted and wasn’t watching sports like I used to,” he said at the time. “Don’t take for granted what you’ve got in your life. You’re going to regret it.”
With his wife Misty always by his side, Mongo fought ALS with relentless bravery, returning to Soldier Field in December 2023 to receive the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s first-ever Courage Award.
As his body continued to deteriorate, McMichael never gave up. In January 2024 he got the news he’d been fighting for: the Bears legend was finally selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
McMichael’s induction was the crowning moment of a hall of fame life on and off the field.
He is survived by his wife Misty and daughter Macy.
McMichael’s spokesperson Betsy Shepherd shared the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my good friend and client Steve McMichael has passed away. There will never be a stronger fighter we will ever know. He also was the sweetest guy I have ever known. I am proud of all we accomplished together, especially the National Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was the last thing he could say to me before he lost his ability to speak. I asked him what else I could do for him and he whispered, ‘Hall of Fame.’ Thanks to the fans, we did it! He loved you endlessly. I have many Mongo Stories, starting with putting him at Wrigley Field to sing the 7h Inning Stretch. Angel Hernandez was never the same after that. And neither were our lives. For now please respect our privacy while grieving. Rest in Peace, Stevie. I will always proudly be your Super Agent.”
Tributes pour in for Bears legend
While Bears fans remember McMichael for his toughness and tenacity on the gridiron, his longtime friends remembering him for his strength off the field.
Friend reminisced on a video of “Mongo” taking to the mic with other 1985 Bears teammates at a fundraising event years ago.
“When he showed up at the party, he was the party,” longtime friend Mike Namoff said.
Mike and Johnny Namoff are remembering their friend of two decades for the life he brought to others.
“When Steve showed up, he’s a legend,” Mike Namoff said. “It’s like Muhammad Ali walking in the room in Chicago.”
The charity organizers got to know McMichael during the many events he volunteered for, and years later at the charity events they hosted in McMichael’s honor.
“He was fighting as long as he possibly could,” Johnny Namoff said. “And it was time. It was time for him to meet Walter [Payton] today.”
Their most cherished moments with McMichael were watching his Chicago Bears teammates rally around him all the way to the Hall of Fame.
Mike Namoff photographed an intimate moment shared between McMichael and former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.
“And it’s a very special one to my heart, because I caught a moment,” Mike Namoff said.
The Namoffs said ALS may have taken over McMichael’s body, but they said it never touched his bright spirit.
“They’re gonna know him as a Hall of Famer,” Mike Namoff said. “They’re gonna know him as the Chicago Bear legend Mongo. They’re gonna remember him as the wrestler from the Four Horsemen.
His friends called him a fighter up until the very end.
“His pain is over. He’s with God,” Johnny Namoff said. “It’s an amazing day for Chicago, because one of its own went home.”
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