Steve McMichael dies: Tributes pour in for the Bears legend

Legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael died on Wednesday at 67 after a battle with ALS, his former teammate Jarrett Payton shared on social media.

McMichael, affectionally known as "Mongo" by fans, won a Super Bowl with the "Monsters of the Midway" Bears in 1986 and played for the franchise throughout most of the decade.

McMichael was named to two Pro Bowls during his career and finally earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. He also found success after his NFL days in professional wrestling and in sports broadcasting.

"It's a cruel irony that the Bears' Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease," Bears chairman George H. McCaskey shared in a statement. "Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal, and he demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity and his humanity. He is at peace now. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve's family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear."

Tributes poured in for the Bears great as the NFL world remembers his impact on and off the field.

Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael was a Bears legend, and his courageous battle against ALS inspired us all.

Our hearts go out to his family, friends and teammates. 💙— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2025

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

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. 🙏🏽 #Bears— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 23, 2025

My brother, #SteveMcMichael, has ascended into heaven. 🕊️ Thank you for your support and prayers.🙏 #TeamMongo#MongoStrong#SteveMongoMcMichaelpic.twitter.com/1ECNPu7pMe— Ms McMichael (@bluebutterflysm) April 23, 2025

The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer Steve McMichael after a brave battle with ALS.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ENXTqfoqQk— NFL (@NFL) April 23, 2025

"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."

Rest in peace, Steve "Mongo" McMichael. pic.twitter.com/3G96bfMJZD— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 23, 2025

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. pic.twitter.com/fC2IzmsDVV— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 23, 2025

I will never forget watching Steve McMichael at #Bears training camp in the early 90’s, treating every rep like it was the Super Bowl.

He was larger than life, always the biggest personality in rooms filled with them.

I’m so glad he lived to see the Hall of Fame, where his… pic.twitter.com/CwIZ6e109t— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 23, 2025

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael. 🙏🏽

Four years ago today, Steve shared these words with me—words that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They’re words we can all live by. #RIPMongo | #Bearspic.twitter.com/VzlrXnhWwv— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 24, 2025

Steve McMichael was a great disruptive force on the field, and he had an outsized persona straight out of “North Dallas Forty.” Truly one of kind. RIP to a beloved Bears legend. pic.twitter.com/jap7fNxq0f— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) April 23, 2025

It’s not hyperbole to say Steve McMichael was actually the most timeless symbol of the ‘85 Bears brilliance. He was tenacious and hard nosed. A pugilist on the football field, who created the space for his legendary LB unit to destroy offenses. He was eventually a CFB & Pro… pic.twitter.com/rxG0QWIiMT— Damon Amendolara (@DamonAmendo) April 23, 2025

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is saddened to share the news that Class of 2024 member Steve McMichael has passed away at age 67. #HOFForever

More info: https://t.co/IzDFutNkzVpic.twitter.com/HSucMfoqF9— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 24, 2025

Steve McMichael was a tremendous football player, a colorful personality, and one of the most courageous fighters you’ll ever see.

Very happy he got to see himself inducted into the Hall of Fame. Rest in peace, Mongo. pic.twitter.com/uIc47tsOHK— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 23, 2025

After a valiant battle, hall of famer Steve McMichael passed away tonight. God rest his soul.— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) April 23, 2025

Steve McMichael passed away today. He was 67 years old:

Won Super Bowl XX with Chicago Bears
2X AP All-Pro 1st Team
2X AP All-Pro 2nd Team
2X Pro Bowl
847 Tackles
95.0 Sacks
Inducted into the Football HOF in 2024

RIP pic.twitter.com/FE9SyBixfI— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) April 23, 2025

McMichael will be enshrined in Canton and the hearts of Halas Hall for eternity. RIP Mongo.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Steve McMichael dies: Tributes pour in for the Bears legend