Countdown to 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement: Steve McMichael
Enshrinement
Published on : 8/2/2024
STEVE “MONGO” McMICHAEL has always been a showman. A man of many nicknames and even more antics, his time on and off the field was nothing less than electrifying.
He set the stage early, lettering in six sports at Freer High School in his home state of Texas. His athleticism and performance in baseball and football garnered an early audience. After receiving offers from 75 schools, McMichael kicked off his collegiate career at the University of Texas in Austin.
Head coach Fred Akers described him as “one of the most intense football players on our squad,” saying that, “He loves everything about football. He’s not happy unless he’s practicing or playing.”
The love of the game, combined with the fear of failure, which McMichael once described as an essential element to the “heart of a champion”, drove him to succeed as a Longhorn.
After a crushing Cotton Bowl loss to end an undefeated 1977 season, McMichael vowed to be stronger, quicker and better. In their 1979 season, the Longhorns’ defense put on a show, allowing fewer than 9 points per game.
The fire never seemed to leave McMichael.
“Steve transcended every era. He could have played in the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s,” Mike Ditka said while reflecting on his defensive tackle’s career. “What he had, he gave to me, all of it. There was never a down where he didn’t go all-out.”
During his 13 seasons with the Bears, McMichael amassed a streak of 191 consecutive games played. He recorded 92.5 of his 95 career sacks. He still stands second in franchise history trailing only Richard Dent.
For longtime teammate and friend Dan Hampton, McMichael’s success was the product of his unflinching resolve.
“Steve was able to focus and summon his willpower more than anyone I ever played with,” Hampton said
And all along, McMichael savored the journey. Speaking about the Bears’ Super Bowl XX win, McMichael said: “The mountaintop is great. But how you get there is what you remember.”
On the road to victory, “Mongo” made himself memorable. Whether it was during live TV postgame shows, in his post-NFL wrestling career or onstage with his band, the Chicago 6, McMichael enjoyed center stage.
Thirty-three years after Super Bowl XX, McMichael spoke with the Chicago Tribune.
“Here’s something I’m finally ready to admit about the ’85 Bears and myself,” he said. “We like the limelight, brother. We enjoy being on stage.”
For the unabashed, fierce McMichael, life was never a solo act. The stage was shared with his teammates, the success and the joy always big enough for all.
“There is more than enough room on the mountaintop,” McMichael said. “Come join us, baby.”
He set the stage early, lettering in six sports at Freer High School in his home state of Texas. His athleticism and performance in baseball and football garnered an early audience. After receiving offers from 75 schools, McMichael kicked off his collegiate career at the University of Texas in Austin.
Head coach Fred Akers described him as “one of the most intense football players on our squad,” saying that, “He loves everything about football. He’s not happy unless he’s practicing or playing.”
The love of the game, combined with the fear of failure, which McMichael once described as an essential element to the “heart of a champion”, drove him to succeed as a Longhorn.
After a crushing Cotton Bowl loss to end an undefeated 1977 season, McMichael vowed to be stronger, quicker and better. In their 1979 season, the Longhorns’ defense put on a show, allowing fewer than 9 points per game.
The fire never seemed to leave McMichael.
“Steve transcended every era. He could have played in the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s,” Mike Ditka said while reflecting on his defensive tackle’s career. “What he had, he gave to me, all of it. There was never a down where he didn’t go all-out.”
During his 13 seasons with the Bears, McMichael amassed a streak of 191 consecutive games played. He recorded 92.5 of his 95 career sacks. He still stands second in franchise history trailing only Richard Dent.
For longtime teammate and friend Dan Hampton, McMichael’s success was the product of his unflinching resolve.
“Steve was able to focus and summon his willpower more than anyone I ever played with,” Hampton said
And all along, McMichael savored the journey. Speaking about the Bears’ Super Bowl XX win, McMichael said: “The mountaintop is great. But how you get there is what you remember.”
On the road to victory, “Mongo” made himself memorable. Whether it was during live TV postgame shows, in his post-NFL wrestling career or onstage with his band, the Chicago 6, McMichael enjoyed center stage.
Thirty-three years after Super Bowl XX, McMichael spoke with the Chicago Tribune.
“Here’s something I’m finally ready to admit about the ’85 Bears and myself,” he said. “We like the limelight, brother. We enjoy being on stage.”
For the unabashed, fierce McMichael, life was never a solo act. The stage was shared with his teammates, the success and the joy always big enough for all.
“There is more than enough room on the mountaintop,” McMichael said. “Come join us, baby.”
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