Even though Chicago Bears icon Steve McMichael was unable to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, heartfelt moments unfolded at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois.
Struggling with ALS and confined to bed due to the advanced stages of the disease, the former two-time All-Pro defensive tackle, now 66, became the second honoree welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 on Saturday.
In a poignant tribute, McMichael donned his gold jacket alongside several of his Bears teammates and his wife, Misty, as his bronze bust was unveiled live.
“You are on a team that you can never be cut from and never be released from. When you die, you’ll always be on this team. Welcome home, Steve. You’re in football heaven forever,” said Hall of Famer Richard Dent, as he affectionately patted McMichael on the head.
With tears in her eyes, Misty gently turned her husband’s gaze towards the bronze likeness. “That’s you, baby, forever,” she expressed.
Steve McMichael, diagnosed with ALS, was inducted into the football Hall of Fame
Jim McMahon, the quarterback of the 1985 Bears Super Bowl-winning team, witnessed the emotional scene via a video feed from the live event at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Many Bears fans were moved to tears by McMichael’s moment.
Known as ‘Mongo’ and recognized for his loud personality, McMichael was a formidable force on one of the NFL’s most legendary defenses. With this induction, he became the fourth defensive player from the 1985 team to earn a spot in the Hall, joining Dent, Mike Singletary, and Dan Hampton.
Kathy, McMichael’s sister, read a heartfelt speech she had prepared with her brother before he lost the ability to move and speak.
“I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in,” Kathy McMichael stated. “I played 15 years in the NFL and cherished every moment of every down. I was privileged to play alongside the greatest players and defense that still stands today.”
The defensive tackle’s career with Chicago was highlighted by his two All-Pro honors
McMichael’s induction occurred in his Illinois home, surrounded by his wife and teammates
McMichael played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993
The Hall of Famer publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis three years ago
Jarret Payton, the son of Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, presented McMichael, who referred to Payton as a ‘pseudo-son’ in the remarks delivered by his sister.
“The only thing bigger than his personality is his heart,” Payton expressed.
McMichael holds the franchise record for the most consecutive games played, with 191 from 1981 to 1993, and ranks second on the Bears’ all-time sacks list, with 92 1/2. His last NFL season was with Green Bay in 1994.
Three years ago, McMichael bravely announced his ALS diagnosis, facing numerous health challenges since then.
He was readmitted to the hospital in April after spending time in the ICU in February.
