Former WCW Star Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael Passes Away
Steve McMichael, also known as Steve “Mongo” McMichael during his professional wrestling days, sadly passed away at the age of 68 on Wednesday.
The news of McMichael’s passing was confirmed by Jarrett Payton, son of NFL legend Walter Payton, who had played alongside McMichael in the NFL. Payton shared that McMichael passed away at 5:28 p.m. ET due to complications from ALS. He mentioned that McMichael was surrounded by loved ones and requested prayers for his family.
Earlier in the day, WGN News had reported that McMichael was being taken off his ventilator and moved to a hospice care facility. McMichael had been battling ALS since 2021 and had been hospitalized for sepsis and pneumonia in August 2023.
In 2024, McMichael was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although he couldn’t attend the ceremony, his family and former teammates unveiled his bust at his home.
During his time with the Chicago Bears, McMichael played 13 seasons, winning the Super Bowl in 1985. He was a two-time First Team All-Pro, a two-time Pro Bowler, and is second in franchise history with 92.5 career sacks. McMichael joined other 1985 Bears greats in the Hall of Fame, including Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Jim Covert, Mike Ditka, and Walter Payton.
In the world of wrestling, McMichael also had an illustrious career. He served as a color commentator in WCW and was a key member of the Four Horsemen. McMichael also held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship title.