History of Steve McMichael in Timeline

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Steve McMichael

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.

October 17, 1957: Steve McMichael Born

On October 17, 1957, Stephen Douglas McMichael, later nicknamed "Mongo", "Ming", and "Ming the Merciless", was born. He became an American former professional football player and professional wrestler.

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.

1978: All-Southwest Conference Choice

In 1978, Steve McMichael was chosen for the All-Southwest Conference during his time playing for the Texas Longhorns.

1979: All-American and Defensive MVP

In 1979, during his senior season, Steve McMichael was a consensus first-team All-American and was named defensive MVP at the 1979 Hula Bowl.

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.

1985: Married Debra Marshall

In 1985, Steve McMichael married Debra Marshall.

1985: Bears Reunion at McMichael's Home

In 1985, members of the Chicago Bears team travelled to Steve McMichael's home to celebrate his Hall of Fame selection with him.

1986: Named to NFC Pro Bowl Team

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

1987: Named to NFC 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, 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.

1998: Divorced Debra Marshall

In 1998, Steve McMichael and Debra Marshall divorced.

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.

1999: Inducted into Longhorn Hall of Honor

In 1999, Steve McMichael was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor for his achievements with the University of Texas.

March 24, 2001: Married Misty Davenport

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

August 7, 2001: Sang at Wrigley Field

On August 7, 2001, during a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, Steve McMichael took a turn as the guest singer for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and made comments about an umpire's call, leading to his ejection from the ballpark.

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2005: Ditka's Comment

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

2008: Daughter Born

In 2008, Steve McMichael and Misty Davenport's daughter, Macy Dale, was born.

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

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

August 16, 2012: Announced Mayoral Run

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

2013: End of Coaching Chicago Slaughter

In 2013, Steve McMichael's tenure as the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter concluded.

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.

April 23, 2021: Announced ALS Diagnosis

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 with the ALS Courage Award.

2021: ALS Diagnosis

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

August 2023: Named 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: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 3, 2024, Steve McMichael was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame, with his sister Kathy delivering a speech on his behalf.

2024: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

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