Classic Cinema+ Wrestling News Remembers Steve 'Mongo' McMicheal

Steve McMicheal was an NFL Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle for the Chicago Bears, and won a Super Bowl with the team that many consider the greatest team the 1985 Bears. Very few athletes excel in two sports. But "Mongo", as he was nicknamed, transitioned from football to the wrestling ring. This is not out of the norm. Many NFL Players became wrestlers. Bill Goldberg, Brain Pillman, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons and many more. 

Mongo joined WCW as part of the announce team. He excelled in that role and soon would enter the squared circle. But he would not just transition, he would join the most elite faction in wrestling history when he would join The Four Horsemen alongside Nature Boy Ric Flair and The Enforcer Arn Anderson. During his time he would even capture the WCW United States Title.

His in-ring career lasted a very short 3 years, but what an impact. After his wrestling career ended McMichael would become the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) from 2007 to 2013. He run for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois southwest of Chicago, but would not get elected.

Sadly in 2021, Steve McMicheal was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He fought bravely against the disease, but on April 23, 2025, McMichael was moved into hospice care, that same day Micheals died at 67.

I only saw Steve McMicheal play football in classic clips on ESPN. But I saw him on commentary and wrestle in WCW during the Monday Night Wars and I will never forget him. He was such a dynamic and charismatic character.

Rest in Peace Mongo. Thanks for the great memories!