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Born in Houston, Texas, McMichael carved out his path to greatness through hard work and grit. He starred for the Texas Longhorns before getting picked by the New England Patriots in the 1980 NFL Draft’s third round.
Although his time with the Patriots was short-lived, it was Chicago where McMichael truly became a legend. Signing with the Bears in 1981, he quickly earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest and most durable defensive tackles. His relentless style played a vital role in leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to a historic Super Bowl victory under coach Mike Ditka.
Throughout his career, McMichael was a model of toughness, starting an incredible 109 consecutive games until injuries slowed him down in 1990.
During the late 1980s, McMichael reached his professional peak, earning multiple NFL All-Pro honors. In 1988, he led the Bears with 11.5 sacks and followed it up with a jaw-dropping 108 tackles the next season. Over 15 seasons, McMichael tallied an impressive 95 career sacks and was named All-Pro five times, including first-team recognition in 1985 and 1987.
“It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease,” Bears owner George McCaskey said in a somber statement. “Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal, and he demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity and his humanity. He is at peace now. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve’s family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear.”
Just this year, McMichael’s storied career was immortalized with his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Due to his failing health, the ceremony was held at his bedside in Homer Glenn, Illinois, with several former Bears teammates and Coach Ditka in attendance. His Gold Jacket and bronze bust were presented with the reverence he so rightfully earned.
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After hanging up his football cleats in 1994, McMichael found a second career in the wild world of professional wrestling. He first worked as a commentator for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before stepping into the ring himself. McMichael became a fan favorite and eventually joined Ric Flair’s iconic “Four Horsemen” faction.
In 2021, McMichael announced his devastating ALS diagnosis to the world. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, slowly robs individuals of their muscle control by attacking the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord—a merciless battle McMichael faced with trademark defiance.
“Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And he did just that,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. “Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: No one battled longer or harder from the snap until the whistle than Steve the player. That legendary will to fight allowed him to experience his enshrinement as a member of the Hall’s Class of 2024.”
Though ALS ultimately claimed his body, it never conquered his spirit. Steve McMichael’s legacy—of toughness, perseverance, and heart—will live on for generations to come.
