Jump to content

Steve McMichael

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Steve McMichael
refer to caption
McMichael in 2016
No. 66, 76, 90
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:(1957-10-17)October 17, 1957(age 66)
Houston, Texas,U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:270 lb (122 kg)
Career information
High school:Freer(Freer, Texas)
College:Texas(1976–1979)
NFL draft:1980/ Round: 3 / Pick: 73
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
As a player
As a coach
Career NFL statistics
Totaltackles:847
Sacks:95
Safeties:3
Forcedfumbles:13
Fumble recoveries:17
Interceptions:1
Head coaching record
Regular season:58–34 (.630)
Postseason:4–4 (.500)
Career:62–38 (.620)
Player stats atPFR

Stephen Douglas McMichael(born October 17, 1957), nicknamed "Mongo",[1]"Ming"and"Ming the Merciless",[2]is an American former professionalfootballplayer andprofessional wrestler.He was adefensive tacklefor 15 seasons in theNational Football League(NFL), primarily for theChicago Bears.He playedcollege footballfor theTexas Longhornsand was selected by theNew England Patriotsin the1980 NFL draft.

During his time with the Bears, he was a two-timePro Bowlerand five-timeAll-Pro,winningSuper Bowl XXwith the team. He ended his football career with theGreen Bay Packers,before making appearances for theWorld Wrestling Federation(WWF) ahead ofWrestleMania XI.

He became a professional wrestler withWorld Championship Wrestling(WCW), where he became a member of theFour Horsemenstable and was aone-timeWCW United States Champion.

Before retiring from public appearances, McMichael was a regular presence on Chicagosports radioand was the namesake of a restaurant in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.[3]

From 2007 to 2013, McMichael was thehead coachof theChicago Slaughterof theContinental Indoor Football League(CIFL). He campaigned unsuccessfully to be mayor ofRomeoville,Illinois.

In 2021, he was diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). McMichael was selected for induction into thePro Football Hall of Famein 2024.

Early life[edit]

McMichael was born on October 17, 1957, inHouston,Texas.His parents separated before his second birthday, and his mother later remarried E.V. McMichael, an oil company executive whose surname McMichael adopted. He has three other siblings: older brother John Richard and younger sisters Kathy and Sharon. The family moved toFreer,where he attendedFreer High School.In his senior year, he lettered in six sports: football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis and golf. Baseball was his preferred sport, and whilst playing as a catcher, he batted.450 in his senior year, garnering attention from theSt. Louis CardinalsandCincinnati Reds.[4]

College football career[edit]

McMichael's performances for his high school football team saw him being offered scholarships by 75 institutions. He decided to attend theUniversity of Texas at Austin.He played as adefensive tacklefor theTexas Longhorns footballteam from 1976 to 1979, but his freshman season was marred by the death of his stepfather. In his senior season, he was a consensus first-team All-American, and he was defensive MVP at the 1979Hula Bowl.[4]During his time at Texas he was an All-Southwest conference choice in 1978 and 1979, the team MVP in 1979 and the backup place kicker in 1977. In 1999 he was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor

On July 17, 2010, McMichael was inducted into theCollege Football Hall of Fame.[5]

Professional football career[edit]

McMichael was drafted out of Texas in 1980 by theNew England Patriotsbut was cut before his second season. TheChicago Bearssigned him as afree agentin 1981. He became one of their startingdefensive tacklesand helping them to a Super Bowl win in 1985.[6]He had a streak of 101 games started until 1990, when his playing time was reduced. He led the Bears with 111⁄2sacks in 1988. He had 108 tackles in 1989. McMichael was named to the NFC'sPro Bowlteams for the 1986 and 1987 seasons.

McMichael gained notability in a 1991 game against theNew York Jets.With the Bears down 13–6 with 1:54 remaining, McMichael forced aBlair Thomasfumble and recovered it at the New York 36. QuarterbackJim Harbaughthen threw a game-tying touchdown toNeal Andersonwith:18 left in the game. The Bears went on to win inovertimewhen Harbaugh scored on a 1-yard TD run.[7]Bears coachMike Ditkasaid in 2005 that McMichael was the toughest player he had ever coached.[8]He played with theGreen Bay Packersin 1994 before retiring. Aside from his "Mongo" moniker, McMichael was also nicknamed "Ming the Merciless", or "Ming" for short.[2]

"Thank God New England got rid of me. Some teams, they want you to have a certain image. Other teams, like this one, they just want you to get down and dirty. I'm really proud to be a Bear. The Patriots, yeah, they thought I was a little weird. And I guess I am. But here they don't care, long as you play hard. The town, the coach, the team — it's Steve McMichael. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

— McMichael in 1984, speaking to theChicago Tribune'sBob Verdi[9]

"For 13 years, I helped the Bears beat the Packers every year. I whupped their ass, right? So the last year, I went up there on my last leg and I wasn't any good anymore. So I stole their money and whipped their ass again!"

— McMichael in 2019, speaking about his sole season with theGreen Bay Packers[10]

In August 2023, he was named a finalist for the Seniors ballot of thePro Football Hall of Famefor the class of 2024. He had previously been nominated in 2014 and 2015.[11]On February 8, 2024, McMichael was officially selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.[12]

Professional wrestling career[edit]

Steve McMichael
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Steve McMichael
Billed height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Billed weight270 lb (122 kg)
Trained byTerry Taylor
Debut1995
Retired1999

World Wrestling Federation (1995)[edit]

After the end of his NFL career, he appeared at ringside in theWWFforLawrence TayloratWrestleMania XIon April 2, 1995, inHartford, Connecticut.Taylor was wrestlingBam Bam Bigelowand there were several football players at ringside to keep wrestlers from interfering in the match.[13]During the March 20 episode ofMonday Night Raw,McMichael provided guest commentary withVince McMahonand would later brawl withKama Mustafa,one of Bigelow's comrades. The fight was all over the arena floor and almost into the stands, knocking over the broadcast table, soon being broken up by personnel.[14]Taylor ended up winning the later match.

World Championship Wrestling (1995–1999)[edit]

Color commentator (1995–1996)[edit]

In 1995, McMichael was hired byWorld Championship Wrestling(WCW). On September 4, 1995, he made his debut with the company as the pro-babyface color commentator on thepremiereofWCW Monday Nitro,withBobby Heenanfulfilling his typical pro-heel commentator role alongside lead broadcasterEric Bischoff.[15]McMichael would root for the popular wrestlers during matches, would bicker with Heenan on a regular basis, and brought his dog Pepe with him to the broadcast booth.

The Four Horsemen (1996–1997)[edit]

Main article:The Four Horsemen

In April 1996,Ric Flairstarted hitting on McMichael's wifeDebra,who would sit at ringside duringWCW Monday Nitro.McMichael challenged Flair andArn Andersonto a match with his partnerKevin Greene.He trained withRandy Savage(he was actually trained byTerry Taylorat theWCW Power Plant), while Flair and Anderson got Heenan to be their coach for the match.

The match took place atThe Great American Bash.During the match, Debra and Greene's wife were chased to the back byWomanandMiss Elizabeth,who were Flair's valets. Debra came back with Woman and Elizabeth, and she had a briefcase full of money and aFour HorsemenT-shirt. McMichael accepted it and hit Greene in the head with the briefcase.[16]McMichael's first singles match was againstJoe GomezatBash at the Beach.[17]

He went on to feud with theDungeon of Doomwith the other Horsemen, and he had problems withJeff Jarrettover the affections of Debra in late 1996 through early 1997. Women would trash Debra, causing McMichael andChris Benoitto step in each time. The turning point in the McMichael–Jarrett feud was atSuperBrawl VII.McMichael wrestled Jarrett, and if Jarrett won, he was an official Horseman. Debra interfered for Jarrett, so he would win.[18]Then McMichael and Jarrett had to team, and they bickered at first but later became a solid tag team. McMichael wrestled two football players in 1997. He beatReggie WhiteatSlamboreeand lost to Kevin Greene atThe Great American Bash,which saw McMichael slapped by Greene's mother at ringside.[19][20]

In July 1997, Jarrett was kicked out of the Horsemen, and Debra soon left McMichael for Jarrett. McMichael got his revenge when he defeated Jarrett for hisWCW United States Heavyweight Championshipon the August 21 episode ofClash of the Champions XXXV.[21]Just weeks earlier, Arn Anderson had been forced to retire due to an injury, andCurt Hennigtook his place in the Horsemen. AtFall Brawl,Hennig turned on the Horsemen and joined thenWo,during the War Games match that the Horsemen were involved in. McMichael was handcuffed to the steel cage surrounding the ring along with Benoit, and neither man could defend Flair from the 5-on-1 assault from the nWo; the match ended after McMichael surrendered to stop the nWo from attacking Flair, although Hennig would still slam the cage door on Flair's head (which was edited out of the home video release, but included on the WWE Network in full), even after the submission was made.[22]The next night onNitro,McMichaeldroppedhis United States title to Hennig, and Flair disbanded the Horsemen.[23]

Various rivalries and departure (1997–1999)[edit]

McMichael went after Debra's stable of wrestlers that included Jarrett,Eddie GuerreroandAlex Wright.Debra hiredGoldbergto get McMichael, and he became one of Goldberg's first victims in November 1997. Goldberg stole McMichael's Super Bowl ring and weeks later McMichael hit Goldberg with a pipe and reclaimed it.[24][25]He briefly helped Benoit feud withRaven'sFlockin January 1998 and then got into a feud withThe British Bulldog,in which he broke his hand during a match atSuperBrawl VIIIin February 1998.[26]McMichael returned in June and had a feud withStevie Rayand helped reform the Four Horsemen in October with Flair, Benoit,Dean Malenkoand manager Arn Anderson. They feuded with the nWo until McMichael made his final appearance on the February 8, 1999, episode ofNitro.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2008)[edit]

McMichael returned to professional wrestling forTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling's flagship pay-per-view,Bound For Glory,where he refereed the Monster's Ball Match. This match was notable for McMichael's extremely slow cadence for a three count.[27]

Other endeavors[edit]

McMichael singing with the Chicago 6 Band in 2016.

McMichael co-hosted a Bears pre-game show with Jeff Dickerson onESPN 1000in Chicago. He was the head coach of theChicago Slaughterof theIndoor Football Leaguefrom 2007 until the team's final season in 2013.

McMichael and fellow 1985 Chicago Bears alumniDan HamptonandOtis Wilsonperformed in a rock and roll oldies band (with entertaining satirical Mike Ditka verses) called the Chicago 6.[28]

On August 7, 2001, during theseventh-inning stretchof a game between theChicago Cubsand theColorado RockiesatWrigley Field,McMichael, who was visiting the Cubs television booth, took a turn as the guest singer for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game".Earlier in the game in the bottom of the 6th inning, home plate umpireÁngel Hernándezhad controversially called Cubs infielderRon Coomerout at the plate. Before singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game, McMichael announced to those in attendance over the PA system that he would "have some speaks" with Hernández after the game, presumably as a result of Hernández's call on Coomer. Crew chiefRandy Marshordered McMichael to be ejected from the ballpark, and the umpires later received an apology for McMichael's conduct from then-Cubs general managerAndy MacPhail.[29]

On August 16, 2012, McMichael announced his intentions to run for mayor ofRomeoville, Illinois.[30]He lost the race to incumbent John Noak, garnering 39 percent of the vote.[31]

Personal life[edit]

McMichael at aChicago Slaughterfootball game in 2008.

In 1985, McMichael marriedDebra Marshall.They divorced in 1998.[32]

McMichael married Misty Davenport on March 24, 2001.[4][33]Their daughter, Macy Dale, was born in 2008.[34]

On April 23, 2021, McMichael announced that he was diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).[35]

TheLes Turner ALS Foundationawarded McMichael with the ALS Courage Award on September 18, 2021.[36][37]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

American football[edit]

Professional wrestling[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Grott, Connor (April 23, 2021)."Former Bears star, pro wrestler Steve 'Mongo' McMichael reveals ALS diagnosis".United Press International.RetrievedDecember 15,2021.
  2. ^ab"MING THE MERCILESS NOW HAS HATRED IN HIS HEART FOR BEARS".Associated Press. October 31, 1994.RetrievedDecember 15,2021.
  3. ^"The Mongo McMichaels - food • fun • spirits -- About Us".www.themongomcmichaels.com.RetrievedJune 12,2018.
  4. ^abcKogan, Rick (August 28, 2005)."STILL (a little) CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  5. ^"Chris Spielman is the fan favorite at hall ceremony - ESPN".Sports.espn.go.com. July 17, 2010.RetrievedAugust 20,2012.
  6. ^"Bears Trounce Patriots, 46-10, in Super Bowl".Los Angeles Times.January 27, 1986.RetrievedOctober 31,2023.
  7. ^"FOOTBALL; Bears Work Overtime to Send Jets Into Shock (Published 1991)".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on September 27, 2018.
  8. ^Flores, David (May 14, 2021)."'Cut from a different cloth,' McMichael started road to stardom at Freer High School ".Corpus Christi Caller-Times.RetrievedOctober 20,2023.
  9. ^Larkin, Will (August 19, 2019)."Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 18, Steve McMichael".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  10. ^Weiderer, Dan (August 26, 2019)."'Ooooh, the skulduggery!': Inside the world of Steve McMichael, still one of the most colorful and beloved characters from the 1985 Bears ".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  11. ^"Future Football Legends: Steve McMichael".futurefootballlegends.com.RetrievedOctober 12,2023.
  12. ^"Pro Football Hall of Fame to enshrine seven in Class of 2024".Pro Football Hall of Fame.February 8, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 8,2024.
  13. ^McNew, Rob (March 17, 2009)."WrestleMania XI Review".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  14. ^Pantoja, Kevin (March 9, 2016)."Raw History: Episodes 103-105".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  15. ^Furious, Arnold (April 28, 2011)."The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Nitro September 1995".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  16. ^Bramma, Jack (May 12, 2013)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Great American Bash 1996".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  17. ^Pantoja, Kevin (February 6, 2015)."Random Network Reviews: WCW Bash at the Beach 1996".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  18. ^Bramma, Jack (August 24, 2013)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Superbrawl VII".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  19. ^Bramma, Jack (August 3, 2014)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Slamboree 1997".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  20. ^Bramma, Jack (September 4, 2014)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Great American Bash 1997".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  21. ^Hoops, Brain (August 15, 2015)."On this day in pro wrestling history (August 21): final WCW Clash Of The Champions, Dusty Rhodes beats Harley Race for NWA world title".Wrestling Observer Newsletter.RetrievedJune 13,2020.1997 - At the final WCW Clash of the Champions card, Steve McMichael defeated Jeff Jarrett to win the WCW United States Title in Nashville, Tennessee.
  22. ^Keith, Scott (August 15, 2002)."The SmarK Retro Repost – Fall Brawl '97".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  23. ^Pantoja, Kevin (March 21, 2018)."Raw History: Episode 225 and Reliving Nitro: Episode 105".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  24. ^Bramma, Jack (August 27, 2012)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Halloween Havoc 1997".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  25. ^Pantoja, Kevin (August 18, 2016)."Random Network Reviews: World War 3 1997".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  26. ^Bramma, Jack (September 20, 2012)."Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Superbrawl VIII".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  27. ^Csonka, Larry (October 12, 2008)."411's TNA Bound for Glory IV Report 10.12.08".411Mania.com.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  28. ^Konkol, Mark (July 10, 2015)."'85 Bears Band Bringing Revamped 'Super Bowl Shuffle' to Taste of Chicago ".dnainfo.com.Archived fromthe originalon June 13, 2020.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  29. ^"Umpire Angel Hernandez sets record straight on Steve McMichael ejection from 2001 Cubs game".Chicago Tribune.June 30, 2017.RetrievedDecember 15,2021.
  30. ^"Steve McMichael: Mayor? Former Chicago Bear Throws Hat Into Ring For Romeoville Race".Huffington Post.August 18, 2012.RetrievedAugust 20,2012.
  31. ^Ziezulewicz, Geoff (April 10, 2013)."Romeoville mayor declares victory over 'Mongo' McMichael".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedFebruary 10,2016.
  32. ^"Steve Williams and Debra's Marriage Certificate".The Smoking Gun.RetrievedApril 8,2007.
  33. ^"Texas Marriages Search Results for 2001 - GenLookups".RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  34. ^"Steve and Misty McMichael Welcome Baby Girl".Chicagoslaughter.com.RetrievedAugust 20,2012.The Chicago Slaughter would like to congratulate head coach Steve McMichael and his wife Misty on the birth of their first child Tuesday afternoon. Macy Dale McMichael was born at 4:12 p.m. weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 19 "long. Mother, baby and dad are all doing great
  35. ^Liberatore, Joel (April 23, 2021)."Former Chicago Bear Steve 'Mongo' McMichael reveals he is battling ALS".wgntv.com.RetrievedApril 23,2021.
  36. ^"Chicago Bears legend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael accepts first-ever ALS Courage Award at Soldier Field".Chicago Tribune.September 18, 2021.RetrievedDecember 9,2023.
  37. ^"Faces of ALS: Steve McMichael".Les Turner ALS Foundation.September 30, 2021.RetrievedDecember 9,2023.
  38. ^"WWE United States Championship".RetrievedMay 25,2020.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steve_McMichael&oldid=1234938795"