Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a legendary figure in both professional football and wrestling, passed away Wednesday at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by Jarrett Payton, son of NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, who shared the news on social media.
According to Payton, McMichael died at 5:28 p.m. ET from complications related to ALS. Here’s what he wrote:
“With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers.”
The news followed an earlier report from WGN News that McMichael had been taken off his ventilator and transferred to hospice care. He had been battling ALS since 2021 and was previously hospitalized with sepsis and pneumonia in August 2023.
Despite his declining health, McMichael received one of football’s highest honors in 2024, when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although he couldn’t attend the ceremony, his Hall of Fame bust was unveiled in a private moment at his home by family and former teammates.
McMichael’s football legacy is cemented by a 13-season career with the Chicago Bears, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl win in 1985. A two-time First Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael ranks second in franchise history with 92.5 sacks. He joins a prestigious list of 1985 Bears inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Jim Covert, Mike Ditka, and Walter Payton.
A one-of-a-kind personality and Hall of Fame player. Mongo will never be forgotten. 💙 pic.twitter.com/PwVpER1cmH
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2025
In the world of professional wrestling, McMichael also left a lasting impact. He served as a color commentator for WCW and went on to become an in-ring competitor. He had a notable run as a member of the iconic Four Horsemen and held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship during his career.
Here’s how the wrestling world reacted to Steve’s passing:
Ric Flair: The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A Battle! Rest In Peace My Friend!
Arn Anderson: Today, the world is less one hell of a man. A beast on the football field and, as everyone in Chicago knows, a real man’s man! He walked into the world of professional wrestling with little or no formal training. Being a god in his world didn’t mean he would necessarily be a success in our world. When we made him a Horseman, we found out right away you would never want to meet him in a dark alley if he had ill intentions. But no better guy to go to war with as we found out on many occasions. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us for even a short period of time. To Mongo, nothing but love and respect. I am honored to have known you. Side note to God: You’re gonna have your hands full with this one!
Adam Pearce: Godspeed, Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Whether it was on the field, local Chicagoland TV and radio, or eventually in the ring, you ALWAYS entertained me. All respect for your work ethic and that signature rebel spirit you carried throughout. Rest well, sir.
AEW: AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of pro wrestler and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.
Missy Hyatt: I met him once at a convention at the ECW Arena. Such a cool guy with a magnetic personality that can make him the life of the party in any setting.
McMichael’s contributions to sports and entertainment earned him fans across generations, and his fighting spirit remained evident until the end.
R.I.P
October 17, 1957 – April 23, 2025
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