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Steve McMichael
1957 - 2025
Steve McMichael
1957 - 2025
Obituary
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BORN
1957
DIED
2025
Steve McMichael Obituary
Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a defensive tackle with the 1980s Chicago Bears squad who later became a professional wrestler, died April 23, 2025 of complications from ALS in Joliet, Illinois at the age of 67.
McMichael was drafted by the New England Patriots, but after being cut, he signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1981. The move was fortuitous, beginning a run that saw him become one of the team's starting defensive tackles just as they were becoming a dominant force in the league. He racked up two Pro Bowl appearances (1986 and '87), five All-Pro selections (two as first team, three as second), and a Super Bowl ring in 1985. Sometimes called "Ming the Merciless" for his fierce play, McMichael played in Chicago for over a decade, from 1981 to 1993, earning a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league. He retired after a final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
He enjoyed a second career as an athlete when he entered the world of professional wrestling. As part of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), McMichael joined the infamous Four Horseman, wrestled alongside legends like Ric Flair, and in 1999 ascended to the top of the heap when he became WCW United States Heavyweight Champion. He left wrestling in 1999. In 2021, he announced that he'd been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Flair paid tribute to McMichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "He was my best friend through it all! An amazing athlete and human being! I have the fondest memories working with him, and this is an extremely heartbreaking loss for me! I love you mongo! You fought one hell of a battle!"
By Eric San Juan
(Image: George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
70 Entries
Gary Goodfriend
July 6, 2025
Hook em Steve! RIP
Dean Zimmerman
May 20, 2025
Was a great player and very approachable to have a pic with me
Kyle
May 18, 2025
John frei
May 15, 2025
He was a good guy
How you can show support
Clint Williams
May 12, 2025
Mongo will be missed. ALS sucks the life right out of you. New loses to grieve almost every week. You inspire me to keep up my struggle with the merciless monster within. RIP Steve. We'll meet in a special place in held for true warriors.
Javier Reyes
May 9, 2025
Steve, you were a good friend while playing for the Freer Buckaroos and while we attended The University of Texas. Had some fun at the Rattlesnake Roundup as well. Rest in Eternal Peace my friend. You were the epitome of a football player and my wife Wendy and I attended your inauguration in Canton, Ohio to The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Your friendship meant a lot to me. Javier Reyes
Jim Carlson
May 9, 2025
God bless your soul in heaven. God bless your family and friends in this difficult time. Growing up in Chicago and watching you play was truly an honor. Thank you for all the great memories. Everyone is gonna miss you, baby.
Derrick loving
May 4, 2025
Shameka Leach, FOTY23
May 4, 2025
The Chicago Bears 100th Weekend is how I want to remember Our H.O.F. Legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael. Thank you for being what sports needed. A strong man... Mongo Forever
Patricia LoPresti
May 3, 2025
I can remember you when I worked at Jewel in Mundelein. What a nice guy you were, always friendly. Rest in peace. Thank you for all the memories.
Patricia LoPresti
Cindy Stauffer
May 3, 2025
Simply The Best, Mr. Hall of Famer! You were a heck of a player. I will miss you Steve. Thanks for many exciting Sundays. My condolences to Misty and Macy.
Mark Beckman
May 1, 2025
Mark Beckman sends his condolences.RIP
John Coussons
May 1, 2025
Great man and Hall of Famer. He represented the Bears, University of Texas and Freer High School with class. Rest in Peace.
Jeff Norin
May 1, 2025
Miss you Brother !! Jeff Norin
Jeff Norin
May 1, 2025
Mongo, your consider one of my best friends ! I will never forget when you said "I would be proud to play in front of you as a linebacker !!!
Your one of the special ones and god has a place for you my friend !! Peace be with you Bro! Love and peace , Jeff Norin
Dewayne Collier
April 30, 2025
Ran into Steve in Austin, couple yrs after we played High school football he always made me laugh, I've enjoyed running into him after growing up, he was never busy to have a little crown and talk about the good Ole days. RIP MY FRIEND
John Grigus III
April 30, 2025
Saw you at a post Super Bowl party at at Tomzacks Natilus in Orland Park. Lots of fun. Wanted to visit with my son and dog cause I knew you loved your little puppy dog.RIP big guy. See ya.condolences to Misty and Macy.
John Grigus iii family
Shirley Espinosa
April 29, 2025
To Richard McMichael. Richard, I never met your brother but you and I worked together at Houston Lighting and Power around 1985 or 1986. You were so proud of your brother in the Super Bowl. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I hope life has been good to you.
Shirley Burleson Espinosa.
Charles Davies
April 29, 2025
Gonna miss you uncle love always Charles
Frank and Faith Rago
April 29, 2025
Rest in Heavenly Peace Mongo! As live long Chicagoans, thank you for the memories! Our deepest condolences to the McMichael Family
Linda Linke
April 29, 2025
My husband and I met Michael at mongos. He gave me a signed picture and 2 great hugs. I will remember it forever. Thank you for the memories. Bears forever
Jim Jeff Lance Tim
April 28, 2025
Our condolances to the McMichael family.
RIP Mongo- you made us all smile!
- Jim, Jeff, Tim, Lance
John Cox
April 28, 2025
My family and I were in Chicago on vacation. We had tickets to a dinner at Soldiers Field. As I was eating dinner I heard a voice saying, " Those are the cutest babies I have ever seen!" I looked up and it was Steve McMichael. He asked if he could join us and hold our daughters. Steve sat at our table for about 30 minutes just visiting. He let my daughters hold his Superbowl ring and just laughed when they dropped it. I followed his career from the gridiron into wrestling. It is a memory that we will always cherish. Deepest condolences to the family of Mr. McMichael's. 85 Bear's
Officer Richter
April 28, 2025
Mongo was called home for the ultimate Superbowl in Heaven that has the best players Payton,Butkus ,Sayers ,Piccolo,Anderson,but needed to add one more special talent and That's Mongo. Now all being coached by God and The Virginia McCaskey Family may you rest in peace no pain no suffering just joy Happiness and well deserved Reunion in Heaven
James mc cord
April 28, 2025
Steve McMichaels was a very good friend of mine I knew we when he first opened a Margo make Michael's Restaurant I would be down there every weekend having his wife would come in and talk to me he will be very truly missed
Jim mc cord
April 28, 2025
Tina Hubbert
April 27, 2025
I was in Walmart in Romeoville years ago when the McMuchael´s lived in town. I was in the checkout line behind them and Mr. McMichael was singing "let it go" from Frozen to his little girl in the cart. I said " you seem to know every word of that song"His reply was that he and his little girl watch it all the time. I thought, here is this big pro football guy who is so sweet singing with that sweet baby girl. It just made me smile. Thank you for some great moments on and off the field Sir. Rest peacefully until we all meet again. Holding all the family in prayer for comfort. God bless you
Susan Howard
April 27, 2025
I will miss you! Susan Howard Bears #1 fan
John Cox
April 27, 2025
In 2005 my family and I were on vacation in Chicago. There was a pre Superbowl party at Soldiers Field. We had tickets and were eating dinner. I heard this voice says, " My God! That's the cutest baby I have ever seen! Can I hold her?" I looked up to see Steve McMichael standing in front of us. He sat at our table, held my daughter Jocelyn and visited with us for around 30 minutes. Steve removed his Superbowl ring to let my daughters try it on and just laughed when they would drop it. That moment of Mr. McMichael's asking if he could join us and hold my daughter was better than watching him on the gridiron or a wrestling ring. It was a moment that we will always cherish. My condolences to all of his family! 85 bear's! John Cox and family
Michelle Mew
April 27, 2025
RIP
I will always think of my 1975 prom date fondly.
Sheri Lacina
April 27, 2025
Rip Steve McMichael.,..You were a kind friend and neighbor...much loved and always available when the chips were down... condolences and hugs to Misty and Macy...
Dave
April 27, 2025
Steve was a great person and father
Billy O'Connor
April 27, 2025
I saw Steve in full pads in Platville WI in the early 90s and he was so very impressive of a football player. Admiration rose in me just meeting Steve. Someone I looked up to. A man's man and a truly tough human. I'm saddened to hear of your passing Mongo. RIP baby!
Pamela Kosowski
April 26, 2025
Rip mongo.
John Anast
April 26, 2025
Nuthin'but Luv ,my brother of a different mother !
John Anast.
laura and David Tracy
April 26, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kevin Murray
April 26, 2025
No one will ever forget your loving, consistent support of MLB umpires!!!
Lyn Cornacchia
April 26, 2025
Thank you for all the wonderful memories that you gave us during your football career. I pray that you are now able to rest and be free from pain.
Kand
April 26, 2025
Your work on earth is done. May god bless the McMichael family at this sad time.
Rest in peace Mongo.
Jim Lavin
April 26, 2025
I watched Steve play on that defense and it would not have been the defense it was without him . Prayers to the McMichael family and his teammates. Misty you were an excellent caregiver , Steve was very lucky to have you .
Ted Hendricks
April 26, 2025
Condolences to the McMichael family. It was the best of times both on and off the field. God speed my friend.
Frank Licari
April 26, 2025
RIP STEVE GOD BLESS YOU
Donna Daniels
April 26, 2025
This football loving girl had the BEST birthday gift I could ask for when the Bears won the Super Bowl on January 26, 1986. Rest in Heaven Steve McMichael. You did Chicago proud!
Carol and Jerry chwajol
April 25, 2025
Our condolences to Misty and Macy and all McMichael Family
Jamie Krzyminski
April 25, 2025
To the Mc Michael family, very sorry for the loss of Steve, sending prayers at this time.
Melissa Chapman-Perline
April 25, 2025
Deepest condolences to Steve´s family and friends.
Steve Cathcart
April 25, 2025
RIP Mongo!
You were the best baby!
Peter Kummert
April 25, 2025
Dear lord please let Steve McMichael rest in heaven for eternity God Bless
Donna Smith
April 25, 2025
I want to extend my prayers to Steve McMichael´s entire family, especially his wife. I know him as #76, Mongo! I cheered him, Sweetness, and the rest of the "Shuffling Crew" onto becoming Super Bowl Champs! Almost 40 years ago! What an amazing season that was!! However, I also have connected with him ever since hearing he was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is one type of Muscular Dystrophy. My first husband, Mark, suffered from Spinal Muscular Atrophy which is another form of Muscular Dystrophy. I watched my husband go through many of the same sufferings as Mongo did. But more importantly than their sufferings, I saw a resilience in both that tops everything else!! NOTHING seemed to stop Mongo!! Congratulations, Mongo! You have earned the greatest reward possible that supercedes any football trophy!! I am sure with all my heart, you are where you belong-in the arms of Jesus! I am certain that Walter was there to welcome you! I KNOW my husband is nearby too because he was a huge fan of yours! God bless you from a SUPER fan! Go, Mongo! Rest in Peace!! Amen!76!
Mary Morgan
April 25, 2025
I never met Steve, but had the opportunity to know his mom, Betty, as we both worked in the same school district. Her love for that son of hers was something to behold. No doubt they´re reunited now and that leaves me with a smile.
Susan Bergiel
April 25, 2025
Steve was a great football player and a great guy! Rest in peace.
John Kussin
April 25, 2025
RIP Mongo! Thank you for all the memories and to be a big part of the Chicago Bears. Prayers for you and your family.
Omar Irons
April 25, 2025
I like to say my condolences go out to the McMichael family. Steve was a hell of fine defensive tackle. May his soul rest in peace in heaven. The Chicago Bear family should put Steve McMichael's number number 76 on the bears football jerseys this year this coming season. God bless his wife and everybody else in the family. Rest in peace mongo.
Patrick Mahoney
April 25, 2025
Hey Big Guy,
I'll always cherish our friendship and your bigger than life personality.
I can just imagine the applause you're getting as you walk through the pearly gates.
P.S. St.Peter has a job to do, all the stories can wait.
Condolences to Misty and Macy.
Love ya
Patrick Mahoney and family!
Thomas J. Babiarz
April 25, 2025
The World and NFL AND CHICAGO BEARS have lost a great person. He endure and I hope He is At Peace, best Wishes to all who loved him and admired him. Rest Well Steve you will be missed
Ted irwin
April 25, 2025
Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cindy Coughlin
April 25, 2025
God has called another Angel, rest in eternal Peace n May your bright light always shine n candle stay lit in your loving memory!! I am so sorry to your family, friends n Chicago Bears fans...Your beautiful wife Misty right with u all the way...So sad
Ramona Drane
April 24, 2025
My condolences to the Family
Gary Soukup
April 24, 2025
You'll be truly missed ,Mongo I'll be wearing my McMichael Jersey this year in honor,rest in peace big guy
Victoria
April 24, 2025
Dear Steve,
Your larger than life personality, both on and off the field, brought so much joy to us Bears fans. I cried when I read you were diagnosed with ALS, I cried even harder when you were finally and rightfully inducted into the Football Hall of Fame, and I cried the hardest when you left this world to be in Heaven...we will miss you, but comforted to know you are no longer suffering and at peace.
The 1985 Monsters of the Midway will forever live on in our hearts...thank you for being a part of that great team, and for the wonderful memories you created.
Say hi to your beloved teammates Sweetness and Dave Duerson for us.
Watch over your lovely and devoted wife Misty, and your beautiful daughter Macy.
Rest in Peace, Mongo...a life well lived.
VICKI GODISH
April 24, 2025
You well be missed
Carson Loveless
April 24, 2025
Condolences to his family
Patti Lou Estes
April 24, 2025
Steve was a wonderful man. I knew him when I lived in Freer Texas with , my grandparents. I was so proud that he was honored in the Hall of Fame, he so deserved it He will be missed by so many people. I remember when he went into wrestling after his football carrer that is where he finally met the love of his life. His soul mate. My blessings and condolences to his wife and family. His parent's and brother. I look forward to seeing you in heaven my brother, my friend.
Patti Lou Estes
April 24, 2025
Joe Skrabutenas
April 24, 2025
Thank you Steve McMichael for 1985. Will always wear your jersey proudly. RIP GOD BLESS YOU
Rosemary Pfeifer-Weitzman
April 24, 2025
Dear Steve McMichael,
The Bears´ loved you and stood by you. The fans of Chicago, showed you compassion. Kudos to Dan Hampton! You once said in an interview with J. Payton, to see the love of compassion in one´s eyes for me, helped to not give up with humanity. You are now with Walter Payton and all the football greats! God has made a special place in heaven for all of you. You really fought the fight. You walked into heaven with a smile on your face. Kudos Mr. McMichael. Rest in peace.
Condolences to the McMichael family and all the Bears fans of Chicago and the world.
Bill McKay
April 24, 2025
Thank you mango! I'm about to turn 67 myself you left me a lot of memories and Joys in the '80s as a bear fan. Had the pleasure of meeting you and doing a shot with you at shoeless Joe's on your bobblehead Day. One of the greatest and sincere people I ever met I thank you Bill McKay. Sent a picture of my dog since I remember how you loved your Chihuahua. Remember seeing him on ABC with Mark Giangreco on Sunday nights after bears games. You made me laugh so hard thank you again
C. Mark Garner
April 24, 2025
R.I.P. Mongo, and sincerest condolences to the family. May God Bless you all
Ton Gunnell
April 24, 2025
As so many baby boomer Chicagoans, we loved the Bears and suffered much anguish. Certainly there were stars along the way but no one brought more magic to the game and joy to the city than Steve McMichael and da Bears. Steve, thank you and God bless you and your family who fought the brave fight at your side.
JOHN BARRETT
April 24, 2025
So glad Steve got into the Hall of Fame before he passed. He was a true warrior but his wife should be credited with taking such great care of him. Players like him are why the fans keep coming back
Rest well Mongo, you will live on in our hearts.
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