History of Steve McMichael in Timeline

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Steve McMichael

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.

October 17, 1957: Steve McMichael's Birth

On October 17, 1957, Stephen Douglas McMichael, later known as "Mongo," was born. He became a professional football player and wrestler.

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.

1984: Quote to Chicago Tribune

In 1984, Steve McMichael spoke with Bob Verdi of the Chicago Tribune.

1985: Super Bowl Win with the Bears

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

1985: Marriage to Debra Marshall

In 1985, Steve McMichael married Debra Marshall.

1985: Formation of Chicago 6 Band

In 1985, Steve McMichael, along with Dan Hampton and Otis Wilson, formed the rock and roll band Chicago 6.

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.

March 20, 1995: Guest Commentary on Monday Night Raw

On March 20, 1995, Steve McMichael provided guest commentary alongside Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw and got into a brawl with Kama Mustafa.

April 2, 1995: Appearance at WrestleMania XI

On April 2, 1995, Steve McMichael appeared at ringside for Lawrence Taylor during WrestleMania XI in Hartford, Connecticut.

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.

July 1997: Jarrett Kicked Out of Horsemen

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

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.

1998: Divorce from Debra Marshall

In 1998, Steve McMichael and Debra Marshall divorced.

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.

March 24, 2001: Marriage to Misty Davenport

On March 24, 2001, Steve McMichael married Misty Davenport.

August 7, 2001: Incident at Wrigley Field

On August 7, 2001, Steve McMichael, while visiting the Cubs television booth, made comments about an umpire during the seventh-inning stretch at a game between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field, leading to his ejection from the ballpark.

2005: Ditka's Praise

In 2005, Bears coach Mike Ditka said that Steve McMichael was the toughest player he had ever coached.

2007: Head Coach of Chicago Slaughter

In 2007, McMichael became the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL).

2007: Co-hosted Bears Pre-Game Show and Coaching Career

In 2007, Steve McMichael co-hosted a Bears pre-game show and became the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League.

2008: Birth of Daughter Macy Dale

In 2008, Steve McMichael and Misty Davenport had a daughter, Macy Dale.

July 17, 2010: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

On July 17, 2010, Steve McMichael was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

August 16, 2012: Mayoral Candidacy Announced

On August 16, 2012, Steve McMichael announced his intentions to run for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois.

2013: End of Chicago Slaughter Coaching

In 2013, McMichael's tenure as the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter concluded when the team played its final season.

2013: End of Coaching Chicago Slaughter

In 2013, Steve McMichael concluded his time as the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter when the team played its final season.

2014: Hall of Fame Nomination

In 2014, Steve McMichael was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2015: Hall of Fame Nomination

In 2015, Steve McMichael was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2019: Quote about Green Bay Packers Season

In 2019, Steve McMichael spoke about his sole season with the Green Bay Packers.

April 23, 2021: ALS Diagnosis Announced

On April 23, 2021, Steve McMichael announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

September 18, 2021: ALS Courage Award

On September 18, 2021, the Les Turner ALS Foundation awarded Steve McMichael the ALS Courage Award.

2021: Diagnosis with ALS

In 2021, Steve McMichael was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

August 2023: Hall of Fame Finalist

In August 2023, Steve McMichael was named a finalist for the Seniors ballot of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the class of 2024.

February 8, 2024: Selected for Hall of Fame

On February 8, 2024, Steve McMichael was officially selected to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

August 3, 2024: Induction into Hall of Fame

On August 3, 2024, Steve McMichael was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His sister gave a speech on his behalf.

2024: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2024, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

April 23, 2025: Steve McMichael's Death

On April 23, 2025, Steve McMichael passed away at the age of 67 after being moved to hospice care, due to complications from ALS.

February 20, 2026: Davenport Arrested

One year after McMichael’s passing, Davenport was arrested on February 20, 2026 for a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.