Career Timeline of Steve McMichael: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Steve McMichael, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Steve "Mongo" McMichael is a former American professional football player and professional wrestler. A defensive tackle in the NFL for 15 seasons, he is best known for his time with the Chicago Bears, where he was a key player. McMichael played college football at the University of Texas. After his NFL career, he transitioned to professional wrestling, notably joining WCW and becoming part of the infamous Four Horsemen stable. His nicknames include Mongo, Ming, and Ming the Merciless.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1976: Joins Texas Longhorns

In 1976, Steve McMichael joined the University of Texas at Austin and played as a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns football team.

1977: Backup Place Kicker

In 1977, Steve McMichael was the backup place kicker for the Texas Longhorns football team.

1980: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 1980, Steve McMichael was drafted by the New England Patriots in the NFL draft after playing college football for the Texas Longhorns.

1981: Signed by Chicago Bears

In 1981, Steve McMichael signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent after being cut by the New England Patriots.

1985: Chicago 6 Band

In 1985, Steve McMichael and fellow Chicago Bears alumni Dan Hampton and Otis Wilson performed in a rock and roll oldies band called the Chicago 6.

1988: Led Bears in Sacks

In 1988, Steve McMichael led the Chicago Bears with 11 1/2 sacks.

1989: 108 Tackles

In 1989, Steve McMichael recorded 108 tackles for the Chicago Bears.

1990: Reduced Playing Time

In 1990, after a streak of 101 games started, Steve McMichael's playing time was reduced with the Chicago Bears.

1991: Forced Fumble Against Jets

In a 1991 game against the New York Jets, Steve McMichael forced a Blair Thomas fumble and recovered it, leading to a game-tying touchdown and eventual overtime win for the Bears.

1994: Played with Green Bay Packers

In 1994, Steve McMichael played with the Green Bay Packers before retiring from the NFL.

April 2, 1995: Appeared at WrestleMania XI

On April 2, 1995, Steve McMichael appeared at ringside in the WWF for Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania XI in Hartford, Connecticut, acting as a deterrent to interference in the match.

September 4, 1995: WCW Debut

On September 4, 1995, Steve McMichael debuted with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the pro-babyface color commentator on WCW Monday Nitro.

April 1996: Feud with Ric Flair Begins

In April 1996, Steve McMichael's feud with Ric Flair began after Flair started hitting on McMichael's wife Debra, leading to a challenge for a match against Flair and Arn Anderson.

1996: Feud with Dungeon of Doom

In 1996, Steve McMichael, as part of the Four Horsemen, feuded with the Dungeon of Doom and had problems with Jeff Jarrett over Debra's affections.

July 1997: Jarrett Kicked out of Horsemen

In July 1997, Jeff Jarrett was kicked out of the Horsemen, and Debra left Steve McMichael for Jarrett.

November 1997: First Victim to Goldberg

In November 1997, Debra hired Goldberg to get McMichael, and he became one of Goldberg's first victims, with Goldberg stealing McMichael's Super Bowl ring, later reclaimed by McMichael.

1997: Feud and Tag Team with Jarrett

In 1997, Steve McMichael wrestled Jeff Jarrett at SuperBrawl VII with Debra interfering for Jarrett to win. Subsequently, McMichael and Jarrett teamed up, initially bickering but later becoming a solid tag team. McMichael also wrestled Reggie White and Kevin Greene.

January 1998: Helped Benoit

In January 1998, Steve McMichael briefly helped Chris Benoit feud with Raven's Flock.

February 1998: Broke Hand in Match

In February 1998, Steve McMichael broke his hand during a match against The British Bulldog at SuperBrawl VIII.

February 8, 1999: Final TV Appearance

On February 8, 1999, Steve McMichael made his final TV appearance on the Nitro show.

March 6, 1999: Last Match

On March 6, 1999, Steve McMichael's last match was teaming with Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko defeating Curt Hennig, Barry Windham, and Wrath on a house show.