Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday and appeared on the video board during the ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
McMichael, wearing his Hall of Fame bronze jacket, was in a hospital bed surrounded by loved ones. He was unable to attend the festivities because his battle with ALS had left him bedridden.
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Steve McMichael is surrounded by former teammates as he is presented with his Hall of Fame bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Aug. 3, 2024, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“You're on a team that you can never be cut from or released from. When you die, you'll always be on this team. Welcome home, Steve. You're in football heaven forever,” former Bears star Richard Dent said.
Misty McMichael was crying as she turned her husband toward the bronze bust.
“That's you, darling, forever,” he said.
McMichael, affectionately known as “Mongo,” was a standout defensive tackle for the Bears from 1981 to 1993. He also played for the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers, marking the end of his 15-year NFL career.
Misty McMichael, wife of former NFL player Steve McMichael, unveils his bust during an induction ceremony from her home on the video board at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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He logged 847 total snaps and was a staple of the Bears' fearsome defense in 1985. He played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games and was second in sacks with 92.5 while with Chicago.
“I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in,” Kathy McMichael said in a speech she worked on with her brother before he lost the ability to move and speak. “I played 15 years in the NFL and loved every minute of every play. I played with the best players and the best defense to this day.”
McMichael also competed in World Championship Wrestling and was a United States Champion.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 (from left, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Devon Hester, Misty McMichael by her husband Steve McMichael, Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar and Julius Peppers) pose after receiving their gold jackets during the Gold Jackets Dinner in Canton, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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He announced that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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