Steve McMichael, a star defensive tackle on the Chicago Bears’ famed 1985 Super Bowl championship team whose larger-than-life personality made him a fixture in the Windy City for decades and a natural for professional wrestling, has died following a battle with ALS. He was 67. McMichael died Wednesday afternoon, his publicist, Betsy Shepherd, told The Associated Press. An All-Pro in 1985 and 1987, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. He played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993 and ranks second to Richard Dent on the Bears’ career sacks list with 92 1/2. His final NFL season was with Green Bay in 1994. Whether he was terrorizing opponents or discussing the Bears on sports talk radio, the man known as “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo” after the character in “Blazing Saddles” who knocked out a horse remained a prominent presence in Chicago long after his playing days ended. He also spent five years in professional wrestling in the late 1990s. McMichael’s brash personality and willingness to say whatever was on his mind made him a natural for the squared circle. He began working for World Championship Wrestling at the height of the “Monday Night Wars” with the World Wrestling Federation, starting as a color commentator and later joining Ric Flair in the “Four Horsemen” group. McMichael revealed in April 2021 that he was battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. “I promise you, this epitaph that I’m going to have on me now? This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end,” McMichael told the Chicago Tribune. McMichael had been experiencing tingling in his arms for some time that he figured was a neck or spine issue stemming from his playing days or his work as a wrestler. A neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic suggested in September 2020 that he had ALS. McMichael sought other opinions, and in January 2021, doctors in Chicago confirmed the diagnosis. Though he mostly retreated from public life following his announcement, photos posted on social media by friends and former teammates showed his decline. McMichael went from a 270-pound giant who used to blast through linebackers and drive wrestlers headfirst into the mat with the “Mongo spike” to someone who was rail-thin, bedridden and hooked up to machines as his body failed him. “He’s scared to die and he shouldn’t be because he’s the most badass man I’ve ever known inside and out,” his wife, Misty McMichael, told The Associated Press prior to his Hall of Fame induction on Aug. 3, 2024. “He’s a good man. He’s gonna be in heaven before any of us, so I don’t know what he’s afraid of. But I’ve told him to please hang on ’til the (induction) and then, you know, I don’t want to see him suffer anymore. He’s been suffering.” Born in Houston, McMichael’s parents separated when he was about 2. His mom, Betty, married an oil company executive named E.V. McMichael, and the younger McMichael considered him his dad and took on his surname. The family moved to Freer, Texas, and McMichael went on to letter in football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis and golf as a senior. A catcher, he preferred baseball. The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals showed interest, but his parents wanted him to go to college. He received recruiting letters for football from about 75 schools. Bear Bryant wanted to use him as a tight end at Alabama, while Darrell Royal recruited him to Texas as a defensive end. McMichael went on to star for the Longhorns from 1976-79. Although his freshman season was marred by the death of his stepfather, he became a consensus first-team All-American as a senior and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. The New England Patriots drafted McMichael in the third round in 1980. He didn’t last long, appearing in six games as a rookie before getting released prior to his second season. McMichael would play hard on and off the field, getting in fights in practice and taking in Boston’s nightlife afterward. “They looked at me and said, ‘Steve, we think you’re the criminal element in the league. Get out,’” McMichael said in his Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame induction speech in 2019. The same traits that apparently led to a ticket out of New England were welcomed in Chicago. In that same speech, McMichael recalled walking into founder George Halas’ office — “It was like I was walking into a 1920 gangster movie and he was James Cagney” — when he signed with Chicago. “Papa Bear” made it clear. “You know what he said to me, guys?” McMichael said. “I’ve heard what kind of dirty rat you are in practice. Don’t change, Steve.” His nasty demeanor and oversized personality made McMichael one of the most feared players on arguably the greatest defense ever assembled. He played alongside Hall of Famers Dent, Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton, and the 1985 Bears left a trail of battered and bruised foes in their wake as they shuffled to the franchise’s lone Super Bowl championship. McMichael was an All-Pro that season with eight sacks. He played 15 years in the NFL — 13 with Chicago before his final season with the rival Packers. “Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in a statement. “And he did just that. Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: No one battled longer or harder from the snap until the whistle than Steve the player. … And the love his teammates showed him throughout this difficult journey says everything about Steve the man.” Soon after his career ended, McMichael started getting involved with professional wrestling. In April 1995, he was in Lawrence Taylor’s corner at the WWF’s WrestleMania when the New York Giants great met Bam Bam Bigelow. Later that year, he started with WCW as a commentator. McMichael began his in-ring career in 1996, feuding with Flair over then-wife Debra McMichael, then a wrestling valet. He remained with the company through 1999. “The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael!” Flair posted on X. “He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being!” McMichael later hosted a Bears pregame show on WMVP-AM and coached the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League from 2007 until the team’s final season in 2013. He and Debra divorced in 1998. He married the former Misty Davenport in 2001, and their daughter, Macy, was born in 2008.
Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael dies at 67 after battle with ALS
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Chicago Bears Legend Steve McMichael Dies at 67 After ALS Battle"
CNN
8.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Steve McMichael, a celebrated defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and a key member of their iconic 1985 Super Bowl championship team, has passed away at the age of 67 after a prolonged battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). McMichael's death was confirmed by his publicist, Betsy Shepherd. Known for his larger-than-life persona, McMichael was not only an All-Pro player in 1985 and 1987 but also made a significant impact on the field, playing a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993. He ranks second in career sacks for the Bears, with 92.5, trailing only Richard Dent. After his NFL career, which concluded with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling, where he became a popular figure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late 1990s. His colorful character, dubbed “Ming The Merciless” and “Mongo,” resonated with fans and showcased his dynamic personality both on and off the field.
McMichael's struggle with ALS began publicly in April 2021, when he revealed his diagnosis, which he initially thought was related to past injuries. The disease gradually took a toll on his body, transforming him from a robust athlete to someone who required assistance in daily life. His wife, Misty McMichael, shared insights into his fears and resilience, emphasizing his strength in facing the disease. Despite his declining health, McMichael remained a beloved figure in Chicago, known for his candidness and charisma. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, a testament to his enduring legacy in football. McMichael's journey from a high school sports star in Texas to an NFL champion and wrestling personality illustrates his remarkable life and the impact he had on sports culture. His death marks the loss of a formidable athlete who left an indelible mark on the Chicago Bears and the sports community at large.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reports on the death of Steve McMichael, a celebrated former NFL player known for his time with the Chicago Bears and his later career in professional wrestling. His passing at the age of 67, following a battle with ALS, brings to light both his sports achievements and the personal struggles he faced due to the disease. This news evokes a sense of nostalgia among fans and highlights the impact of ALS, thereby fostering a community response.
Purpose of the Article
This report serves to honor McMichael's legacy while simultaneously raising awareness about ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. By recounting his accomplishments and struggles, the article attempts to celebrate his life and remind readers of the physical toll that professional sports can take on athletes.
Public Sentiment
The narrative crafted in the article is likely to elicit a strong emotional response from the Chicago community and sports fans in general. It emphasizes McMichael's larger-than-life persona and his contributions to sports, fostering a sense of respect and admiration. The shared memory of his career can strengthen community bonds among fans who appreciated his talent and charisma.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on McMichael’s achievements and battle with ALS, it does not delve deeply into the broader issues surrounding the health risks associated with contact sports, particularly concerning long-term neurological effects. This omission could be seen as a way to avoid a more critical discussion on athlete health and safety, which is a sensitive topic in sports journalism.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear to contain overt manipulative elements; however, the emotional framing of McMichael’s struggles with ALS could be interpreted as a subtle attempt to evoke sympathy. Such an approach may aim to spark discussions about health care for former athletes, but it does not seem to misleadingly represent McMichael’s life or contributions.
Comparison to Other Articles
In the context of similar articles covering sports figures' deaths or health issues, this piece stands out for its celebratory tone. Many reports on health matters often focus heavily on the struggles and challenges, whereas this one balances personal tributes with awareness about ALS, showcasing a more holistic view of McMichael’s life.
Media Image
The publication aligns itself with a respectful remembrance of sports figures, which can enhance its image as a source of heartfelt community news. This approach contributes positively to its reputation, as it shows sensitivity towards the subjects and their families.
Societal Impact
This news could influence public discussions about ALS and the long-term health consequences of playing professional sports. It may also encourage donations to ALS research or support groups, highlighting the importance of community involvement in health advocacy.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates with sports enthusiasts, particularly Chicago Bears fans, and individuals affected by ALS. It appeals to those who appreciate the intersection of sports and personal stories, fostering a collective memory.
Market Influence
While this news may not have a direct impact on stock markets or specific companies, it could raise awareness for organizations working in ALS research or support, potentially influencing donations or public interest in related health initiatives.
Global Context
There is no immediate global political or economic link in this article, though it does connect with ongoing discussions about athlete health and safety, which have wider implications in sports worldwide. The conversation about ALS also intersects with global health issues.
Use of AI in Writing
There may be elements of AI involvement in the writing process, particularly regarding the structure and flow of the article. AI models could have been used to ensure clarity and coherence in the narrative, but the personal touch and emotional resonance suggest human oversight in crafting the message.
Overall, the article presents a heartfelt tribute to Steve McMichael while promoting awareness about ALS, maintaining a respectful tone throughout. It effectively balances the celebration of a sports figure's life with the somber realities of disease, fostering community reflection and engagement.