Steve McMichael

The New England Patriots selected Steve McMichael, a consensus All-America selection at the University of Texas, in the third round (73rd overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. After playing in only six regular-season games, the Patriots released him before the start of the 1981 season.
    
The following season, after an injury to one of their starting defensive linemen, the Chicago Bears brought in McMichael to back up Hall of Famer ALAN PAGE(Opens in a new window) during his final season. Unbeknownst to them at the time, the Bears had found the quintessential ironman to bolster their defensive unit. 

At 6-feet-2 and 270 pounds, McMichael played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games for the Bears, becoming a starter at defensive tackle during the 1983 campaign. As a full-time starter, McMichael went on to earn two Pro Bowl nods (1986 and 1987) and three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections (1985-87).
    
“Mongo” became a vital part in the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl run, as the club looked to end their championship drought of nearly 20 years. From 1982 until 1991, the Bears allowed the fewest points, rushing yards and total yards in the NFL, while recording the most sacks. McMichael played a role in the Bears winning six division championships and Super Bowl XX in 1986 against his former club, the New England Patriots. In his lone Super Bowl, McMichael started at left defensive tackle and recorded a sack. 

McMichael helped the Bears set numerous defensive team records in 1984, including fewest yards allowed (3,863) and most sacks (72; McMichael had 10). The Bears’ 72 total sacks still stand as an NFL record.  

McMichael’s 92.5 sacks for the Bears rank second in team history, behind Hall of Famer RICHARD DENT.(Opens in a new window) Twice, in 1988 (11.5) and 1992 (10.5), McMichael led the team in the category, and he totaled seven seasons with eight or more.
 

Personification of toughness on, off field — Steve McMichael: 1957-2025

Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael passed away April 23, 2025, with friends and family at his side. He was 67.. 

“Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And he did just that,” said Hall of Fame President & CEO Jim Porter. 

“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.

“That legendary will to fight allowed him to experience his enshrinement as a member of the Hall’s Class of 2024. And the love his teammates showed him throughout this difficult journey says everything about Steve the man.” 

Read the full tribute article and watch a video honoring McMichael here.(Opens in a new window)