A tribute to former Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael, who gave 100% every game, pictured alongside Dan Hampton, Mike Singletary, and Otis Wilson during the Super Bowl season. For you, Steve.

In the heart of Chicago Bears history lies a man who played the game of football with unmatched passion, intensity, and grit—Steve McMichael. A key member of the Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning team, McMichael’s journey from a talented defensive lineman to a beloved figure in Bears lore is one filled with determination, perseverance, and a commitment to playing the game with everything he had.

Unfortunately, McMichael’s health has taken a painful turn as he battles Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As a tribute to his legacy and the indelible mark he left on the Bears and the NFL, this article will reflect on his career, his role in the Super Bowl season, and the impact he made not only as a player but also as a symbol of resilience and toughness. With McMichael’s fight against ALS in mind, we remember him not only for his contributions on the field but also for the incredible strength he continues to show in his personal battle.

The Beginning of Steve McMichael’s Journey

Born on October 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, Steve McMichael was raised in an environment where football was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. McMichael’s early years were marked by a love for the game, which translated into a standout high school career. From there, he went on to play college football at the University of Texas, where he developed into a dominant defensive presence. As a defensive tackle, McMichael’s size, speed, and ferocity caught the attention of scouts and led him to be selected in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

McMichael’s early years with the Patriots were marked by flashes of his potential, but it wasn’t until his arrival in Chicago in 1981 that he would truly begin to make his mark. Joining the Bears in a trade with the Patriots, McMichael would form the cornerstone of a dominant Bears defense that would eventually become one of the most feared in NFL history.

The 1985 Chicago Bears Defense: A Legacy of Dominance

There are few teams in NFL history as iconic as the 1985 Chicago Bears, and at the heart of that team was Steve McMichael. This was a defense unlike any other, a unit that could overwhelm opponents with sheer force, athleticism, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. McMichael, alongside fellow defensive stalwarts like Dan Hampton, Mike Singletary, and Otis Wilson, was part of a defensive line that became legendary for its ferocity and tenacity.

McMichael was known for his versatility and toughness. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing in at 270 pounds, McMichael’s imposing presence on the defensive line was impossible to ignore. What made McMichael stand out was his unrelenting work ethic. He played with an intensity that mirrored the ethos of the Monsters of the Midway, the nickname that defined the Bears’ defense throughout their history. His motor never stopped, and his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines.

The 1985 Bears defense, often considered one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, set the tone for the team’s dominance that year. McMichael was a critical part of this defensive juggernaut, known for his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the run game. His fearlessness and work ethic made him a key player in the Bears’ defensive success, and his efforts were instrumental in the team’s march to the Super Bowl XX victory over the New England Patriots.

In that Super Bowl, McMichael’s impact on the game was felt throughout the defensive front. The Bears’ defense held the Patriots to just 7 points in a dominating 46-10 victory. While Richard Dent and Mike Singletary often earned the headlines for their standout plays, McMichael’s consistent pressure and ability to clog up running lanes were key to the Bears’ overall success. His relentless play throughout the season was a big reason why the Bears allowed the fewest points per game that year.

Steve McMichael: A Player Who Gave 100%

What set Steve McMichael apart from so many other players in the league wasn’t just his talent—it was his unwavering commitment to giving everything he had on every play. McMichael was the embodiment of what it meant to be a Chicago Bear. He played with a chip on his shoulder, and no matter the challenge, he approached each game as though it could be his last. This mentality was especially evident in the 1985 season, when McMichael delivered countless moments of grit and determination that helped propel the Bears to their ultimate goal.

Fans of the Bears often speak of McMichael’s energy and attitude on the field. He was known for his fiery spirit, for being a player who was always talking trash to opponents, getting in their heads, and making his presence known. He wasn’t the tallest or the fastest defensive lineman, but he made up for that with his work ethic, intelligence, and leadership. His value went beyond the stat sheet—McMichael was the kind of player who made his teammates better simply by the way he approached the game.

This relentless drive was also evident in the way McMichael played through injuries. In a league where physicality is part of the game’s DNA, McMichael had a reputation for playing through pain. He was willing to sacrifice his body in the trenches to get the job done, and in the process, he became a fan favorite who personified the toughness and resilience that defined the Bears during their championship years.

Steve McMichael and the Super Bowl Legacy

The pinnacle of McMichael’s career came in Super Bowl XX, where the Bears’ defense put on a historic performance, cementing their place in NFL history. The team’s 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots was a testament to the ferocity and determination of the Bears defense, with McMichael contributing to one of the most dominant defensive performances the league had ever seen.

But for McMichael, the legacy was about more than just the trophy—it was about being part of a brotherhood, a team that embodied the city of Chicago’s blue-collar work ethic and its love for football. His bond with teammates like Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson, and Mike Singletary was one of mutual respect, shared sacrifice, and a collective drive to win. McMichael was never the flashiest player on the field, but he was a crucial piece of the puzzle that made the 1985 Bears defense legendary.

The impact of McMichael’s leadership and toughness was something that resonated throughout the Bears locker room, and his work ethic became a standard for future generations of players in Chicago. His success on the field was not just the result of his physical talents, but his ability to inspire others and raise the level of play around him. The Super Bowl victory was the culmination of a season in which McMichael and his teammates worked tirelessly, and it marked a defining moment in NFL history.

ALS: Steve McMichael’s Current Battle

In recent years, however, McMichael has faced an incredibly challenging battle off the field. In 2021, McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, a debilitating and terminal disease that affects the muscles and impairs movement. The news of McMichael’s diagnosis sent shockwaves through the Bears community, with fans and former teammates expressing their support and admiration for the man who gave so much to the game.

ALS is an unforgiving disease, and as McMichael’s condition has worsened, it has been painful for those who witnessed his tremendous career to see the impact it has had on him. Yet, in the face of this heartbreaking diagnosis, McMichael has remained as resilient as ever. He continues to inspire those around him with his courage and perseverance, never giving in to the disease that has stolen so much from him.

His battle with ALS has served as a reminder to all of us about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. For those who grew up watching McMichael play, his fight against ALS is a testament to the same resolve and heart that defined his career.

A City and a Team Stand Behind Steve McMichael

As McMichael continues his battle, the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears organization have rallied around him, offering their support and sending messages of love and appreciation. His teammates, including Dan Hampton, Mike Singletary, and Otis Wilson, have all spoken out in support of McMichael, reflecting on the brotherhood they formed during their time together on the field.

McMichael’s influence on the Bears franchise extends beyond his time as a player. He has remained a beloved figure in the community, frequently appearing at Bears events and continuing to be a source of inspiration to Bears fans everywhere. His role in the team’s 1985 Super Bowl victory has forever etched him in Bears history, and his legacy is one that will never be forgotten.

 A Legacy That Lives On

As Steve McMichael continues his battle with ALS, it is important to remember the man he was on the field—a warrior, a leader, and an integral part of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. McMichael’s relentless drive, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering dedication to his team made him a hero to Bears fans everywhere. He was the embodiment of the team’s “Monsters of the Midway” mentality, and his contributions to the Bears’ success during the 1985 Super Bowl season will never be forgotten.

This tribute is not only for the memories of the tackles, sacks, and game-changing plays McMichael made, but also for the courage and strength he has shown in the face of ALS. His battle off the field is just as inspiring as the plays he made on the field. We remember him as a player who gave 100% every game, a player who represented the city of Chicago with pride, and a player who continues to inspire even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

For you, Steve McMichael, we salute you. You are, and always will be, a Chicago Bear—forever a part of the team’s legacy.