NFL Hall of Famer and former pro wrestler Steve “Mongo” McMichael passed away on Wednesday night after battling ALS for several years. He was inducted into Canton with the Class of 2024.
With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. ?? #Bears
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 23, 2025
McMichael was a third-round pick in the 1980 NFL Draft. He began his career playing for the Patriots but only spent one season in New England. McMichael was cut before his second season and signed by the Bears. He spent 13 years in Chicago before one final season in 1994 with the Packers. McMichael retired and then pursued a career in professional wrestling. The former defensive tackle is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, playing at Texas from 1976-1979.
His journey into pro wrestling began as a commentator in 1995 for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became known as the foil to the heel (bad guy) analyst Bobby Heenan. McMichael then began to wrestle and joined the famous Four Horsemen faction. He retired in 1999 and returned briefly as a one-time referee in 2008 for another company, TNA.
? Follow The Jugo Mobile on WhatsApp
McMichael announced that he was battling ALS on April 23, 2021. He was moved to Hospice care on Wednesday afternoon before passing away later that evening.
Reactions, tributes for Steve McMichael
The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! 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… pic.twitter.com/yq2YHfWKmf
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 23, 2025
My brother, #SteveMcMichael, has ascended into heaven. ?️ Thank you for your support and prayers.? #TeamMongo #MongoStrong#SteveMongoMcMichael pic.twitter.com/1ECNPu7pMe
— Ms McMichael (@bluebutterflysm) April 23, 2025
I will never forget watching Steve McMichael at #Bears training camp in the early 90’s, treating every rep like it was the Super Bowl.
He was larger than life, always the biggest personality in rooms filled with them.
I’m so glad he lived to see the Hall of Fame, where his… pic.twitter.com/CwIZ6e109t
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 23, 2025
AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of pro wrestler and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/fC2IzmsDVV
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 23, 2025
It’s not hyperbole to say Steve McMichael was actually the most timeless symbol of the ‘85 Bears brilliance. He was tenacious and hard nosed. A pugilist on the football field, who created the space for his legendary LB unit to destroy offenses. He was eventually a CFB & Pro… pic.twitter.com/rxG0QWIiMT
— Damon Amendolara (@DamonAmendo) April 23, 2025
Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey on the passing of Steve McMichael: pic.twitter.com/L3IFPhSlIY
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is saddened to share the news that Class of 2024 member Steve McMichael has passed away at age 67. #HOFForever
More info: https://t.co/IzDFutNkzV pic.twitter.com/HSucMfoqF9
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 24, 2025
Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael was a Bears legend, and his courageous battle against ALS inspired us all.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends and teammates. ?
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2025
Steve Mongo McMichael sings take me out to the ballgame – but makes sure to rip Angel Hernandez beforehand. Classic
rest easy, Mongo pic.twitter.com/Rb3NeYksKD
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) April 23, 2025
What disease did Steve McMichael have?
McMichael had been battling ALS. Four years from the day that he announced he had it, he went into Hospice care and later passed away.
Steve McMichael has been moved to Hospice care. The man put up the fight of fights for the last several years, but lived his dream to be put into the Hall of Fame.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 23, 2025
What is ALS?
ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or colloquially known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that is unfortunately terminal. ALS eventually forces the individual to lose control over their upper and lower body muscle contractions.
There is no cure. ALS comes with involuntary twitches and muscle atrophy, making it difficult for daily activities like walking, eating, talking, and sleeping. Typically, movement into Hospice care tends to be one of the final moves for someone with ALS.
