Steve “Mongo” McMichael was a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle best known for his years with the Chicago Bears, including their Super Bowl XX championship team. He was married to his wife, Misty McMichael, who became his caregiver and closest advocate during his years-long battle with ALS, until his death in April 2025.
Who Was Steve McMichael?
Stephen Douglas McMichael, known to fans as “Mongo,” was an American former professional football player and wrestler. He played 15 NFL seasons, mostly with the Chicago Bears, where he was a key part of the legendary “46 defense” that won Super Bowl XX in 1985.
After football, McMichael built a second career as a professional wrestler with World Championship Wrestling, becoming a member of the Four Horsemen stable and a WCW United States Champion. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 and passed away on April 23, 2025, at age 67, following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Steve McMichael’s Bio
| Full Name | Stephen Douglas McMichael |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Mongo |
| Profession | Former NFL Player, Professional Wrestler |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1957 |
| Date of Death | April 23, 2025 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Known For | Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Super Bowl XX champion, WCW wrestler |
Steve McMichael’s parents separated when he was around two years old. His mother, Betty Ruth, later remarried E.V. McMichael, an oil company executive who became his stepfather. He grew up in Texas and played college football at the University of Texas, where he was named a unanimous All-American.
Steve McMichael’s Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 270 lbs |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Body Type | Muscular |
McMichael’s size and strength were core to his identity as a defensive tackle, and he maintained a notably muscular build throughout both his football and wrestling careers.
Background and Early Life
Steve McMichael was born on October 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas. His parents separated when he was young, and his mother later remarried, giving him a stepfather who worked in the oil industry.
He played college football at the University of Texas from 1975 to 1980, where he became a unanimous All-American and a standout on the Longhorns’ defensive line. His toughness and talent on the field carried over into his NFL career, where the Chicago Bears drafted him after a brief stop with the New England Patriots.
Was He Married? Who Was Steve McMichael Wife?
Yes, Steve McMichael was married. His wife’s name was Misty McMichael. The two married on March 24, 2001, and remained together for over two decades, until his death in 2025.
Misty became widely known as Steve’s caregiver after his ALS diagnosis in 2021. As the disease progressed and took away his ability to move and speak, she stepped in as his voice at public events, including representing him at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2024, where she placed his gold jacket on his shoulders during a private ceremony at their home.
Steve and Misty had a daughter together, Macy Dale McMichael, within the first several years of their marriage.
Was There Any Past Marriage History for Steve McMichael?
Yes. Before marrying Misty, Steve McMichael was previously married to Debra Marshall, a former professional wrestler and actress. That marriage ended in divorce, and Steve and Misty married a few years afterward, in 2001.
There are no other publicly reported marriages or serious relationships tied to McMichael outside of these two.
Family Background
Steve McMichael’s mother was Betty Ruth, and his stepfather was E.V. McMichael, an oil company executive. Details about his biological father were not widely publicized.
With his wife Misty, Steve had one daughter, Macy Dale McMichael. Misty remained his primary caregiver throughout his years living with ALS, supported at times by family members, including Steve’s brother.
Steve McMichael’s Net Worth
Since Steve McMichael passed away in April 2025, there isn’t a current, ongoing net worth to report the way there would be for a living public figure. Here’s what was reported around the time of his death.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| At time of death (2025) | Around $3 million (commonly cited estimate; some sources report figures as high as $5 million) |
McMichael’s income came primarily from his NFL playing career, followed by his professional wrestling career with WCW, broadcasting and commentary work, and later years of coaching and public appearances. Reports have noted that despite his long, high-profile career, his net worth was relatively modest compared to some of today’s professional athletes, in part because his NFL playing years came before the league’s biggest salary growth.
Career
Steve McMichael’s football career began at the University of Texas, where he starred as a defensive lineman before being drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft. After a short stint there, he signed with the Chicago Bears in 1981.
Over 13 seasons with the Bears, McMichael became a cornerstone of the team’s dominant “46 defense,” helping the franchise win Super Bowl XX in 1985. He earned two first-team All-Pro selections, two Pro Bowl nods, and set a Bears franchise record by playing 191 consecutive games.
After retiring from football, McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling with WCW, becoming part of the Four Horsemen faction and winning the WCW United States Championship. He later coached the Chicago Slaughter indoor football team and remained active in Chicago sports media as a commentator and radio guest.
Lesser-Known Facts About Steve McMichael
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wrestling Legacy | Joined the legendary Four Horsemen stable in WCW and held the U.S. Championship |
| Iron Man Streak | Holds the Chicago Bears’ record for consecutive games played, at 191 |
| Political Run | Made an unsuccessful run for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois, in 2013 |
| Music Side Project | Was lead singer in a band called “Chicago 6” with fellow 1985 Bears alumni |
| Coaching Career | Coached the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League from 2007 to 2013 |
| Hall of Fame Wait | Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, after years of advocacy from fans and family |
McMichael was known as much for his larger-than-life personality as for his play on the field, something that carried through into his second career in professional wrestling.
Steve McMichael Social Media
During his years living with ALS, Steve McMichael’s public updates were mostly shared through his wife, Misty, who used social media to keep fans informed about his health and their family’s journey.
- Instagram: Misty McMichael shared updates, health news, and reflections on caregiving through her account, which became a source of connection for fans and other ALS families
The family’s story, particularly Misty’s role as caregiver, was also covered extensively by sports and news outlets in Steve’s final years.
FAQs
Who was Steve McMichael’s wife?
His wife was Misty McMichael. They married on March 24, 2001, and stayed together until his death in 2025.
How old was Steve McMichael when he died?
He was 67 years old, born October 17, 1957, and passed away April 23, 2025.
What was Steve McMichael’s net worth?
Estimates commonly place his net worth around $3 million at the time of his death.
What was Steve McMichael’s nationality?
He was American, born in Houston, Texas.
What was Steve McMichael known for?
He was best known for his role on the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX-winning defense and his later career as a WCW professional wrestler.