NFL Legend Passes

Da Bears! When you hear that, a lot of images and players come to mind. One of the biggest ones is the 1985 Bears. They are considered one of the greatest NFL teams ever assembled. One of the members of that feared team was Steven McMichael, aka Mongo. He was a famed member of that 46 defense the Bears employed. Mongo passed away at the age of 67 after a battle with ALS.

From 1984 to 1991, Mongo played in 207 games, including 191 straight. His first year was in New England, followed by 13 with Chicago, and one final year in Green Bay. When all was said and done, Mongo finished with 849 tackles, 95 sacks, 3 safeties, 16 forced fumbles and three interceptions. According to former Bears coach Mike Ditka, Mongo was the toughest player that he ever coached.

Mongo was inducted into the football hall of fame in 2024.

When his playing career ended, Mongo had a second run in the spotlight, this time in the world of pro wrestling. He wrestled from 1995 to 1999, most of that time spent in WCW.

During his career Mongo left a legacy that few can match. One of the best lines ever said about Mongo came from Jim Porter, who was the president and CEO of the football hall of fame.

"Everyone who played with or against Steve shares the same opinion: No one battled longer or harder from the snap until the whistle than Steve the player. ... And the love his teammates showed him throughout this difficult journey says everything about Steve the man."