Hall of Famer Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a stalwart member of the dominant Chicago Bears famed “46 defense” of the 1980s who ranks second in franchise history with 92.5 sacks, died at age 67, the NFL announced Wednesday.
McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021.
He played one season for the New England Patriots and one with the Green Bay Packers, but it was the 13 seasons in between with the Bears when he made his mark, including playing in a team-record 191 consecutive games. In total, McMichael played in 207 games from 1981 to 1994.
The defensive tackle won a Super Bowl (1985) and was twice selected first-team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl. He had at least seven sacks in seven straight seasons (1983 to 1989), second among Bears players to Richard Dent’s 10-year streak.
On Aug. 3, 2024, some 344 miles west of Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio, McMichael was officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
McMichael had eight sacks during the 1985 regular season — and added another in the Super Bowl XX win over the Patriots — and was a first-team All-Pro selection as he started every game that season. He controlled the interior of the line for a defense that ranked No. 1 that season in fewest points allowed, fewest yards allowed and takeaways — in addition to giving up only 10 points in three playoff wins — and is considered by many to be the best ever after leading Chicago to an 18-1 record.
McMichael, who finished with 95 career sacks, also had 847 career tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 3 recorded safeties in 213 career games. His 92.5 sacks with the Bears ranks behind only Dent in team history.
