Mourning for Steve McMichael.

Football legend dies after battle with ALS

The Chicago Bears and numerous football fans mourn the loss of legend Steve McMichael.

24 April 2025

From: dpa

The Hall of Fame member died at the age of 67, according to a family spokesperson. McMichael was part of the Bears' iconic defense that won the 1986 Super Bowl with the team, a season when Chicago lost only one game.

In 2021, he was diagnosed with the incurable disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which destroys nerves and causes muscle atrophy, as well as difficulty swallowing, breathing, and speaking.

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"Steve McMichael announced he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed in the NFL for 15 seasons. And that's exactly what he did," said Hall of Fame President Jim Porter. "Everyone who played with or against Steve agrees: No one fought longer or harder than Steve as a player, from the moment he started to the final whistle."

Inducted into the Hall of Fame one year ago

McMichael, nicknamed Mongo, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024. He played 191 consecutive games for the Bears during his career, more than any other Chicago professional. He brought down the opposing quarterback 95 times.

"It's a cruel irony that the Bears' iron man has succumbed to this dreaded disease," said Bears CEO George H. McCaskey. "During his battle, Steve showed us that his true strength lies within himself, and he demonstrated his class, his dignity, and his humanity daily."

Second career in wrestling

After his football career, McMichael became a wrestler, briefly a member of the Four Horsemen alongside the legendary Ric Flair. He subsequently worked as a coach for the Chicago Slaughter indoor football team.