Steve McMichael, known as Steve “Mongo” McMichael during his time in professional wrestling, passed away Wednesday at the age of 68.
McMichael’s death was confirmed Jarrett Payton, son of legendary NFL star Walter Payton, who played alongside McMichael in the NFL. According to a post from Payton, McMichael passed away at 5:28 p.m. ET, from complications due to ALS. Payton noted that McMichael was “surrounded by loved ones.” He also asked those seeing the message to keep his family in their prayers.
The news comes following a report from WGN News on Wednesday that said McMichael was being removed from his ventilator and transferred to a hospice care facility. McMichael has been battling ALS since 2021, and was hospitalized with sepsis and pneumonia in August 2023.
In 2024, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While he was unable to attend the ceremony, his bust was revealed by his family and former teammates at his home.
McMichael played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears and won the Super Bowl with them in 1985. He was a two-time First Team All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, among other accolades. McMichael is second in franchise history with 92.5 career sacks. He joined Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Jim Covert, Mike Ditka, and Walter Payton as members of the 1985 Bears who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In wrestling, McMichael had a legendary career. He was a color commentator with WCW, and he had a prominent run as a member of the Four Horsemen. He is also a former WCW United States Heavyweight Champion.
