Hall of Famer Steve McMichael Passes Away
Unanimous First Team All-American graduated as UT’s all-time leader in career tackles and sacks.
Steve McMichael, a 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at Texas from 1976 to 1979, passed away April 23. He was 67 years old and had been battling ALS since 2021.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve McMichael, a true legend of our game and a beloved member of the College Football Hall of Fame,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Steve played with unmatched tenacity and heart, and his accomplishment clearly place him among the greatest to ever play our game. His battle with ALS showed the same strength and spirit that defined him as a player. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all the Longhorn fans across the country.”
Selected as a unanimous First Team All-American at defensive tackle, McMichael led a Longhorn defense that allowed less than nine points per game in 1979. A finalist for the Lombardi and Outland Awards that same year, he claimed both team MVP and Hula Bowl MVP honors.
A four-year letterman at Texas, McMichael was a member of the 1977 Southwest Conference Championship team, and he twice was selected All-Southwest Conference (1978–79). He graduated as the school’s all-time leader in career tackles (369) and sacks (30), and during his tenure at Texas, the Longhorns posted an impressive 34-12-1 record.
He was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 1980 and picked up by the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1981. McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, helping the team to six Central Division Championships and a victory in Super Bowl XX. He retired as a five-time All-Pro selection and holds the franchise record for most consecutive games played (191). During his tenure with the Bears, McMichael earned the nickname “Mongo,” inspired by the character in the 1974 film Blazing Saddles.
After his NFL career, McMichael became a professional wrestler, including a stint in 1997 as WCW World Heavyweight Champion. A born entertainer, he found a new calling in the world of Chicago sports radio, co-hosting the Bears’ pregame show for many years on ESPN 1000.
He was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 1999 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Born Oct. 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, McMichael attended Freer High School, south of San Antonio, where he lettered in six sports: football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and golf.
