The Definitive Timeline: Steve 'Mongo' McMichael's Final Chapter, Hall Of Fame Triumph, And Lasting Legacy

The final, definitive update on Chicago Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael is a story of a legendary career, an unyielding battle with a devastating disease, and a monumental, albeit bittersweet, Hall of Fame induction. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, the sports world continues to mourn the passing of one of the game's most colorful and ferocious defensive tackles, whose life concluded just months after achieving the highest honor in professional football. This article provides a comprehensive look at the final years of McMichael's life, from his courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to his long-awaited enshrinement in Canton.

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael: Complete Biography and Profile

Steve "Mongo" McMichael was a larger-than-life figure whose career spanned legendary football success and a memorable stint in professional wrestling, cementing his place in sports history.

• Full Name: Stephen Douglas McMichael
• Nicknames: "Mongo," "Ming," "Ming the Merciless"
• Born: October 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Died: April 23, 2025, in Joliet, Illinois, U.S. (Aged 67)
• Cause of Death: Complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• College: University of Texas at Austin (Longhorn Legend)
• NFL Draft: 3rd Round (73rd overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots
• NFL Career: 1980–1994
• Teams: New England Patriots (1980), Chicago Bears (1981–1993), Green Bay Packers (1994)
• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Career Highlights and Awards:
  • Super Bowl XX Champion (with Chicago Bears)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1986, 1987)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986, 1987)
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 (Seniors Committee selection)
  • College Football Hall of Fame (inducted 2009)
  • Chicago Bears Ring of Honor
• Post-NFL Career: Professional Wrestler in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Color Commentator, and briefly ran for Mayor of Romeoville, Illinois.

The Courageous Battle Against ALS: From Diagnosis to Hospice

McMichael's final years were defined by an incredibly public and painful struggle against ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The former defensive tackle, known for his toughness and swagger, was diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease in April 2021.

The diagnosis sent shockwaves through the NFL community, especially among his teammates from the iconic 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team. ALS progressively strips a person of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe, but McMichael faced it with the same defiant spirit he showed on the football field.

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Throughout 2024 and early 2025, "Mongo" experienced several health scares, including hospitalizations for issues like a staph infection and various ailments related to his condition.

Despite these setbacks, his family and friends provided constant updates, often noting his unwavering spirit. However, the disease continued its relentless progression.

The final, heartbreaking update came on April 23, 2025, when McMichael was moved into hospice care in Joliet, Illinois. He passed away later that day at the age of 67, with his loved ones by his side, concluding a four-year battle with ALS.

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The Long-Awaited Hall of Fame Triumph (Class of 2024)

One of the most emotional storylines of McMichael's final chapter was his long-overdue induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For years, fans, former teammates, and sports analysts argued for his inclusion, citing his dominance as an interior defensive lineman.

In a moment of immense relief and celebration, McMichael was officially selected as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 via the Seniors Committee.

The announcement was a victory for the "Mongo" faithful, recognizing his career statistics—including 95 career sacks—which place him among the elite defensive tackles in NFL history.

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The enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio, in August 2024, was deeply moving. Due to the advanced state of his ALS, McMichael was unable to travel to the event.

Instead, his enshrinement was a "home game," with his family and friends, including Jarrett Payton (son of Bears legend Walter Payton), presenting him for the honor. The moment was a powerful acknowledgment of his career, providing a fitting capstone to his football legacy while he was still alive to experience the recognition.

The Class of 2024 induction, alongside other legends like Randy Gradishar and Art Powell, was a testament to his impact on the game. This final, major career achievement ensured that his name, "Mongo," will forever be etched in football immortality.

Beyond Football: The Legacy of 'Ming the Merciless'

Steve McMichael’s influence extended far beyond the gridiron. His larger-than-life personality and natural charisma led him to a successful second career in professional wrestling.

Professional Wrestling Career:

After retiring from the NFL, McMichael transitioned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a major wrestling promotion at the time. He started as a color commentator, quickly becoming known for his sharp wit and bombastic style. He later moved into the ring, becoming a wrestler himself and joining the legendary faction known as the Four Horsemen, alongside wrestling icons like Ric Flair and Arn Anderson. This career move showcased his ability to entertain and connect with a massive audience outside of football.

Community and Political Life:

McMichael also remained active in his community, even making an unsuccessful run for Mayor of Romeoville, Illinois. His commitment to the Chicago area was unwavering, and he remained a beloved figure long after his playing days ended. The outpouring of support following his ALS diagnosis and subsequent passing demonstrated the deep connection he had with the city of Chicago and the entire football world. His legacy is one of ferocity, humor, and an unforgettable, dominant presence on the field.