Steve McMichael dies at 67: Sports world reacts to death of Bears legend, pro wrestler

Teddy Ricketson

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Steve McMichael dies at 67: Sports world reacts to death of Bears legend, pro wrestler image

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. 

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. 

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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.

MORE: Why is Steve McMichael's nicknamed "Mongo"?

Reactions, tributes for Steve McMichael

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.

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. 

Steve McMichael age

McMichael was born on Oct. 17, 1957. He is 67 years old and battled ALS since he was 63. 

MORE: Revisiting Steve "Mongo" McMichael's professional wrestling career

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.