Career Timeline of Steve McMichael: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

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

Steve McMichael, known as "Mongo," was a prominent American football player and professional wrestler. A defensive tackle in the NFL for 15 seasons, he's best known for his time with the Chicago Bears, where he achieved significant success. He played college football at the University of Texas. After his NFL career, McMichael transitioned to professional wrestling, joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and becoming a member of the infamous stable, The Four Horsemen.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1976: McMichael joins Texas Longhorns

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

1977: Backup Place Kicker

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

1978: All-Southwest Conference Selection

In 1978, Steve McMichael was chosen as an All-Southwest Conference player during his time with the Texas Longhorns.

1979: All-American and Hula Bowl MVP

In 1979, Steve McMichael was a consensus first-team All-American and was the defensive MVP at the 1979 Hula Bowl in Halawa, Hawaii.

1980: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In 1980, Steve McMichael was drafted by the New England Patriots but was cut before his second season.

1980: McMichael Drafted by New England Patriots

In 1980, Steve McMichael was selected in the NFL draft by the New England Patriots.

1981: Signed by Chicago Bears

In 1981, Steve McMichael signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.

1985: Super Bowl Win with the Bears

In 1985, Steve McMichael helped the Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl.

1985: Chicago Bears Alumni

In 1985, members of the 1985 Chicago Bears team celebrated with Steve McMichael at his home.

1986: Named to Pro Bowl Team

In 1986, Steve McMichael was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team.

1987: Named to Pro Bowl Team

In 1987, Steve McMichael was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team.

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, Steve McMichael's streak of 101 started games ended, and his playing time was reduced.

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 Bears victory.

1994: Plays with Green Bay Packers

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

September 4, 1995: WCW Debut on Monday Nitro

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, Ric Flair started hitting on Steve McMichael's wife Debra, leading to a feud and a match at The Great American Bash.

1996: Feud with Dungeon of Doom and Jeff Jarrett

In 1996, Steve McMichael feuded with the Dungeon of Doom and Jeff Jarrett over Debra's affections.

November 1997: Feud with Goldberg

In November 1997, Debra hired Goldberg to get Steve McMichael, who became one of Goldberg's first victims. Goldberg stole McMichael's Super Bowl ring, but McMichael reclaimed it later.

1997: Wrestles Football Players

In 1997, Steve McMichael wrestled two football players, defeating Reggie White at Slamboree and losing to Kevin Greene at The Great American Bash.

January 1998: Helped Benoit Feud with Raven's Flock

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

February 1998: Feud with The British Bulldog

In February 1998, Steve McMichael got into a feud with The British Bulldog, breaking his hand during a match at SuperBrawl VIII.

February 8, 1999: Final TV Appearance on Nitro

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

March 6, 1999: Last Match

On March 6, 1999, Steve McMichael teamed with Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko to defeat Curt Hennig, Barry Windham, and Wrath in his last match at a house show.