WCW legend and former NFL star Steve “Mongo” McMichael has passed away. Ric Flair paid tribute to his fellow Four Horsemen member, honoring his legacy and their shared history in wrestling.
With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. #Bears
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 23, 2025
ESPN confirms:
NFL 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, has died at the age of 67, the NFL announced Wednesday.
McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2021. He was scheduled to be moved into hospice care on Wednesday.
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
AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of pro wrestler and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/fC2IzmsDVV
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 23, 2025
R.I.P. Steve McMichael. Condolences for his family, friends, and fans.
Steve McMichael was an amazing athlete, and one of the greatest professional football players, ever, hence his election (long overdue) to the hall of fame. And I get that people feel his was miscast as a horseman, and maybe he was. If promoters had just let Mongo be an extension of what he was on the field, he would have been an amazing worker and would have been gold on the mic. Perfect example, something he said after retiring after playing a season in Green Bay, the rival to the Bears:
“I figured I’d tortured Packers fans enough beating on their crappy teams, I may as well as steal some of their money as well.”
R.i.p. mongo. I don’t think he was a legend in wcw