The Two Wives Of Steve 'Mongo' McMichael: Misty McMichael And Debra Marshall's Roles In His Legendary Life And Final Battle

The life of Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a Chicago Bears icon, Super Bowl champion, and professional wrestling star, was defined by fierce passion and incredible resilience, a journey deeply shared by two remarkable women: his devoted wife, Misty McMichael, and his former wife, Debra Marshall. As of late 2024, the world continues to reflect on McMichael's extraordinary legacy following his passing on April 23, 2024, a battle he fought bravely against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, a long-deserved honor, stands as a testament to his career, but the strength and advocacy of his family, particularly Misty, brought his personal fight into the national spotlight.

This article delves into the personal lives of the women who stood by the legendary defensive tackle, exploring their unique relationships with the man affectionately known as "Mongo," from the bright lights of the NFL and WCW to the quiet, challenging fight against ALS in their home in Homer Glen, Illinois.

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael: A Biographical Overview

Steve McMichael’s life was a thrilling, multi-faceted saga spanning collegiate football, a storied NFL career, professional wrestling, and a late-life battle with a debilitating disease. His journey is a powerful narrative of American sports.

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• Full Name: Stephen Douglas McMichael
• Nickname: "Mongo" (A reference to the character in the film Blazing Saddles)
• Date of Birth: October 17, 1957
• Date of Death: April 23, 2024
• Age at Death: 66
• Hometown: Houston, Texas
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (Played for the Texas Longhorns)
• NFL Career: Defensive Tackle for the New England Patriots (1980), Chicago Bears (1981–1993), and Green Bay Packers (1994).
• Career Highlights: Super Bowl XX Champion ('85 Bears), 2x First-team All-Pro, 2x Pro Bowl.
• Post-NFL Career: Professional Wrestler and Color Commentator for World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
• Major Honors: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
• First Wife: Debra Marshall (Debra McMichael)
• Second Wife: Misty McMichael (Misty Davenport)
• Daughter: Macy Dale McMichael

Misty McMichael: The Dedicated Caregiver and Voice for the HOF

Misty McMichael (née Davenport) is the woman who stood by Steve McMichael through his final, most challenging years. Their relationship began after his football and initial wrestling career, and she became the central figure in his life, especially after his devastating ALS diagnosis.

The Marriage and Family Life

Misty and Steve McMichael were married in March 2001, following his divorce from Debra Marshall. Misty, who was born on August 31, 1970, was a pillar of support for the former NFL star. Their enduring love story culminated in the birth of their daughter, Macy Dale McMichael, in January 2008, a moment of profound joy for the couple who had reportedly been trying to conceive for two years.

The ALS Battle and Advocacy

In 2021, Steve McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that severely impacted his mobility and speech. Misty McMichael immediately stepped into the role of his primary caregiver and fiercest advocate. Her dedication in managing his complex medical needs and providing comfort at their home in Homer Glen, Illinois, became a story of immense love and bravery.

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Misty’s most public and passionate role was her relentless campaign to get her husband inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF). She became the "Voice of Mongo," giving interviews, organizing events, and keeping his name in the conversation, ensuring his legacy was not overshadowed by his illness. Her efforts paid off when McMichael was finally selected for the PFHOF Class of 2024.

Due to his advanced ALS, McMichael was unable to travel to Canton, Ohio, for the enshrinement ceremony. In a deeply emotional moment, his sister, Kathy McMichael, read his speech, while Misty and Macy Dale unveiled his Hall of Fame bust to him at their home. Misty McMichael’s unwavering commitment to her husband’s comfort and his legacy solidified her place as one of the most inspiring figures in the modern history of the Chicago Bears family.

Debra Marshall: The WCW/WWE Diva and First Marriage

Before Misty, Steve McMichael was married to Debra Marshall, a woman who became famous in her own right in the world of professional wrestling. Their relationship was a high-profile union that spanned his later NFL years and his transition into the squared circle.

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From NFL Wife to Wrestling Personality

Debra Marshall and Steve McMichael were married for a significant period, a relationship that lasted 13 years. Debra, who was born in 1960, first gained public attention as the wife of the Chicago Bears defensive tackle. When McMichael joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as a color commentator and later a wrestler in the mid-1990s, Debra followed him into the business.

She transitioned from being an on-screen valet and manager for her husband to a prominent figure in her own right, particularly after their divorce. After their separation, Debra went on to have a successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she was known as a WWE Diva and even won the WWF Women's Championship.

The End of the Marriage

The marriage between Steve McMichael and Debra Marshall ended on October 12, 1998, with their divorce. While their professional lives were deeply intertwined during the WCW era—with McMichael as a member of the legendary Four Horsemen faction—their personal relationship did not endure. Following her divorce from McMichael, Debra left WCW and later married fellow wrestler Steve Williams (Stone Cold Steve Austin), though that marriage also ended in divorce.

The divorce marked a significant turning point for both individuals. For McMichael, it paved the way for his eventual meeting and marriage to Misty Davenport, while for Debra, it accelerated her solo career as a wrestling star in the highly competitive landscape of the late 1990s.

A Legacy of Love and Strength

The lives of Steve McMichael's wives, Misty McMichael and Debra Marshall, reflect the different eras of his dynamic life. Debra was part of the football and wrestling spectacle, sharing the spotlight during his most public, boisterous years. Misty, however, was the quiet strength and the anchor during his most vulnerable time.

Misty’s tireless efforts as a caregiver and advocate, culminating in the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, will forever be linked to McMichael's final chapter. Her love and determination ensured that the '85 Bears legend received the recognition he deserved, even as he faced the most brutal opponent of his life, ALS. The tributes that poured in after his passing in 2024 consistently highlighted the profound impact Misty had on his quality of life and the preservation of his legacy.

The story of Steve McMichael is not just about a Super Bowl ring or a Hall of Fame bust; it is also a story about the enduring, complex, and vital relationships with the women who shared his journey, each contributing a unique and unforgettable chapter to the life of "Mongo."