In a time when America yearns for real heroes—men of grit, heart, and unshakable resolve—we’ve lost one of the greats. Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the legendary Chicago Bears lineman, died Wednesday at the age of 67, following a valiant battle with ALS. Jarrett Payton, son of NFL icon Walter Payton, confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying McMichael passed peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most.
McMichael, diagnosed with ALS in 2021, had spent the last few weeks in rapid decline, according to his wife, Misty. She revealed that the man once known for his iron will on the gridiron had become unresponsive and was moved into hospice care earlier this week. Even then, McMichael didn’t go quietly—he faced death the same way he faced offensive linemen: head-on, with dignity and grit.
“With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS,” Payton wrote on social media. “I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”
ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—is a cruel affliction, stealing from victims their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. But it couldn’t take McMichael’s spirit. Not a chance.
After a brief stint with the Patriots in 1980, McMichael carved out a legendary career with the Chicago Bears. For 13 years, he was the relentless heartbeat of a defense that remains one of the most feared in NFL history. He was a cornerstone of the 1985 Super Bowl-winning team, an All-Pro powerhouse with 95 career sacks and a reputation for hitting hard and never backing down.
Bears owner George McCaskey said it best: “It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease. Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal… He demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity, and his humanity.”
McMichael was more than just a football player. He was a husband, a father, a fighter, and a fan favorite. And even after the NFL, his fierce loyalty and love for competition never waned. He transitioned into professional wrestling—joining Ric Flair’s iconic “Four Horsemen” faction—and later returned to football as head coach of the Chicago Slaughter.
Last summer, McMichael finally received the recognition he long deserved when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Because of his declining health, the Hall of Fame brought the ceremony to him—placing the gold jacket and bronze bust by his bedside, surrounded by his wife Misty, daughter Macy, and former teammates. It was a moment of grace, honor, and closure.
Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said it perfectly: “Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the NFL. And he did just that.”
Steve “Mongo” McMichael represented everything good about the game—and about America: toughness, honor, faithfulness, and family. In life, he was a warrior. In death, a legend. And for all of us who admired him, his legacy will live on—in Chicago, in Canton, and in the hearts of patriots across this nation.
