Bears legend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael dies at 67 after battling ALS

The sports world is mourning the news that Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has passed away.

After announcing in April 2021 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, the Pro Football Hall of Fame member passed away Wednesday at the age of 67.

McMichael's passing was announced by Jarrett Payton, son of Walter Payton, McMichael's former teammate and Hall of Famer. Jarrett has been a spokesman for the McMichael family during his battle with ALS.

"It is with deep regret that I share with you that Steve McMichael passed away at 5:28 p. m. after a courageous fight against ALS, surrounded by his loved ones," wrote Payton. "I am grateful to have been with him in his last moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers."

During his entire NFL career from 1980 to 1994, McMichael amassed 213 games, 171 starts, 847 tackles and 95 quarterback catches, which earned him two Pro Bowl nominations. Those 95 catches rank him fourth all-time among defensive tackles, and his 92.5 with the Bears put him second in franchise history behind teammate Richard Dent (124.5).

After his NFL career, he moved on to sports entertainment

McMichael initially started out as a star NFL player, best known for his time playing for the Chicago Bears, where he also won a Super Bowl ring.

After his NFL career, he moved into sports entertainment, appearing briefly in WWE in the run-up to Lawrence Taylor's match against Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI.

McMichael then found success in WCW in 1995, where he kicked off as a commentator.

Mongo, his NFL nickname, teamed with Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen, competing in a WarGames match and maintaining a long-running rivalry with Jeff Jarrett. His issues with Jarrett led to McMichael winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship at Clash of the Champions XXXV.

On February 8, McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, and will be posthumously enshrined, in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, August 3.

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael was born in Houston on October 17, 1957.