Steve McMichael, a legendary figure in Chicago Bears history, received his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, making a heartfelt appearance on the video screen during the ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
Dressed in his bronze Hall of Fame jacket, McMichael was in a hospital bed, surrounded by his family. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the celebration due to his ongoing battle with ALS, which has confined him to bed.
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Steve McMichael is surrounded by former teammates as he is unveiled his Hall of Fame bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Aug. 3, 2024, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“You are part of a team that you can never be removed from. Even after death, you remain part of this team. Welcome home, Steve. You’re in football heaven forever,” said former Bears superstar Richard Dent.
With tears in her eyes, Misty McMichael turned her husband towards the bronze bust and said, “That’s you, baby, forever.”
McMichael, affectionately known as “Mongo,” excelled as a defensive tackle for the Bears from 1981 to 1993. He also played for the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers, rounding out his 15-year NFL career.
Misty McMichael, wife of former NFL player Steve McMichael, unveils his bust during an induction ceremony from their home, viewed on the video screen at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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With a total of 847 tackles, he was an integral part of the formidable 1985 Bears defense. McMichael holds the Bears franchise record for playing 191 consecutive games and ranks second in team history with 92.5 sacks.
“I appreciate the Chicago Bears and the fans, made this the best city to play football in,” said Kathy McMichael during a speech she crafted with her brother before he lost the ability to move and speak. “I enjoyed every single minute during my 15 years in the NFL, playing alongside the greatest players and the best defense to date.”
McMichael also made a name for himself in World Championship Wrestling, where he held the United States championship.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 – from left, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Devon Hester, Misty McMichael for her husband Steve McMichael, Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, and Julius Peppers – poses after receiving their gold jackets during the gold jacket dinner in Canton, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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He revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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