Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a beloved Chicago Bears icon and Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 67.

A fixture of the Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl team, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February as a senior member, alongside fellow Bears greats Devin Hester and Julius Peppers. Just hours before his passing, his family announced he had entered hospice care.

“I told him, ‘Babe, there’s another life out there,’” his wife, Misty McMichael, told FOX 32 Chicago. “‘Hold a spot for me.’”

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… pic.twitter.com/yq2YHfWKmf

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 23, 2025

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, a battle that drew admiration from fans and peers alike. Known for his toughness on the field, he fought the disease with the same determination that defined his NFL career.

“He’s a fighter, he’s a battler,” former Bears linebacker Ron Rivera said in 2021. “This struggle epitomizes who he is as a man.”

A two-time First-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael spent the majority of his 15-season NFL career anchoring the Bears’ defensive line. He recorded 847 tackles, 95 sacks, three safeties, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, and one interception.

Affectionately nicknamed “Mongo” and “Tex,” McMichael’s outsized personality made him a fan favorite. Originally known by his jersey number, “76,” during his early days with the Bears, the Texas native quickly earned his place among team legends like Richard Dent and Dan Hampton.

Beyond football, McMichael led a colorful post-NFL life. He briefly held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 1997 in pro wrestling, ran for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois—earning 39% of the vote—and served as head coach of the Indoor Football League’s Chicago Slaughter from 2007 to 2013.

RIP Mongo – bears, WWF, and Chicago legend. Watching his battle over the years has been sad and scary, but he had so many people rally around him. We're both awesome and fragile as a species. Life and loved ones are precious. RIP Mongo. ♥️🏈🐻

— FTP (@hockeyfrank26) April 23, 2025

My brother was moved to a hospice care facility today. In heaven, he'll join our Mom, Dad, & Granny where they'll talk non-stop 4 a month. 😇 Thank you @chicagobears, fans,@espn, @NFL, & @ProFootballHOF 4 your support of our superstar. 🙏 #SteveMcMichael #TeamMongo #MongoStrong pic.twitter.com/sbd2YsPGdN

— Ms McMichael (@bluebutterflysm) April 23, 2025