Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael passed away on April 23. Mongo battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He revealed his diagnosis in 2021. Sadly, the rare but fatal disease has an average life expectancy of just two to five years. In that time, a person with ALS often loses their ability to walk, speak, and swallow. It is a devastating disease that Mongo fought with courage.
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Following his diagnosis, Steve McMichael told the Les Turner ALS Foundation, “I see the compassion in people – that’s when God is smiling,” he said. “Every man lives, but not every man really lives. And I’ve lived 10 lives.”
Steve McMichael Died The Day He Entered Hospice Care
Steve McMicheal’s widow, Misty McMichael told Fox 32 on April 23, “As of today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has recommended to the family to transfer Steve into a Joliet hospice facility this afternoon,” she explained.
“I know he can hear me and he can respond a little bit, “Misty added. “He’s still my man. Twenty-four years married, 27 together. It’s hard to let him go. I don’t ever want to.”
Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey shared a statement on the passing of Steve McMichael,
“It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease,” George said. “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.”
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Mongo in 2024.
A fan wrote, “I’m so glad he was alive to see his HOF induction what a legend and RIP.”
This football fan had a suggestion for the team, “The Bears should honor him with ’76’ patches on their jerseys or on the helmets during the 2025 season. One of the greatest Bears of all time.”
Steve McMichael was 67 years old at the time of his death.
This story’s featured image is by Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.
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