History of Steve McMichael in Timeline
"Mongo" McMichael, nicknamed "Ming" and "Ming the Merciless", was a renowned defensive tackle in the NFL for 15 seasons, most notably with the Chicago Bears. After his college football career at the University of Texas, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980. Following his football career, McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling.
October 17, 1957: Birth of Steve McMichael
Stephen Douglas McMichael was born on October 17, 1957. He would go on to have a successful career as a football player and wrestler.
1976: Begins Playing for the Texas Longhorns
Starting in 1976, McMichael played as a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns football team.
1977: Serves as Backup Place Kicker
In 1977, McMichael took on the role of backup place kicker for his team.
1978: Named All-Southwest Conference Choice
McMichael was recognized for his skill by being chosen for the All-Southwest conference in 1978.
1979: Becomes a Consensus First-Team All-American
McMichael achieved the honor of being named a consensus first-team All-American during his senior year in 1979.
1980: Drafted by the New England Patriots
In 1980, McMichael was drafted by the New England Patriots, marking the beginning of his NFL career.
1981: Joins the Chicago Bears
McMichael joined the Chicago Bears in 1981, a pivotal move in his football career.
1985: Wins Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears
In 1985, McMichael and the Chicago Bears achieved victory in the Super Bowl.
1985: Formation of the Chicago 6 Band
In 1985, McMichael, along with Dan Hampton and Otis Wilson, formed the rock and roll oldies band the Chicago 6.
1985: Members of the 1985 Bears Celebrate with McMichael
In a heartwarming gesture, members of the 1985 Bears team visited McMichael to celebrate his induction into the Hall of Fame.
1985: Marriage to Debra Marshall
McMichael married Debra Marshall in 1985.
1986: Named to the NFC's Pro Bowl Team
In recognition of his talent, McMichael was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team in 1986.
1987: Named to the NFC's Pro Bowl Team
McMichael earned a spot on the NFC's Pro Bowl team once again in 1987.
1988: Leads the Bears with 11.5 Sacks
McMichael's performance peaked in 1988 when he led the Bears with 11.5 sacks.
1989: Achieves 108 Tackles
McMichael had an impressive season in 1989, achieving 108 tackles.
1990: Playing Time Reduced
McMichael experienced a reduction in his playing time in 1990.
1991: Forces Crucial Fumble in Game Against the New York Jets
During a 1991 game against the New York Jets, McMichael made a game-changing play by forcing a fumble, ultimately leading to the Bears' victory.
1994: Retires from the NFL
McMichael's time in the NFL came to an end in 1994 when he retired.
April 2, 1995: Appears at WrestleMania XI
McMichael made an appearance at WrestleMania XI on April 2, 1995, supporting Lawrence Taylor in his match against Bam Bam Bigelow.
September 4, 1995: Debuts with World Championship Wrestling
McMichael embarked on a new chapter in his career on September 4, 1995, when he debuted as a color commentator for World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
April 1996: Feud with Ric Flair Begins
The storyline between McMichael and Ric Flair ignited in April 1996, leading to a match with Flair and Arn Anderson.
1996: Feuds with the Dungeon of Doom and Jeff Jarrett
McMichael's time in WCW was marked by notable feuds, including rivalries with the Dungeon of Doom and Jeff Jarrett in 1996.
July 1997: Jarrett Kicked out of the Horsemen and Debra Leaves McMichael
In July 1997, Jeff Jarrett was removed from the Horsemen, and McMichael's wife, Debra, left him for Jarrett, adding a personal dimension to their ongoing feud.
November 1997: Feud with Goldberg
In November 1997, McMichael's feud with Goldberg began, during which Goldberg became one of the rising star's first victims.
1997: Forms Tag Team with Jeff Jarrett and Wrestles Football Players
Despite their initial rivalry, McMichael and Jeff Jarrett formed a tag team in 1997. That same year, McMichael participated in matches against fellow football players Reggie White and Kevin Greene.
January 1998: Feud with Raven's Flock
McMichael briefly feuded with Raven's Flock in January 1998.
February 1998: Injury and Feud with the British Bulldog
McMichael broke his hand during a match against The British Bulldog at SuperBrawl VIII in February 1998.
1998: Divorce from Debra Marshall
McMichael and Debra Marshall divorced in 1998.
February 8, 1999: Final Appearance for WCW
On February 8, 1999, McMichael made his final appearance on WCW Nitro, marking the end of his time with the company.
1999: Inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor
In recognition of his accomplishments, McMichael was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1999.
March 24, 2001: Marriage to Misty Davenport
McMichael married Misty Davenport on March 24, 2001.
August 7, 2001: Ejection from Wrigley Field
McMichael was ejected from Wrigley Field on August 7, 2001, after threatening umpire Ángel Hernández over a controversial call.
2005: Mike Ditka Calls McMichael the Toughest Player He Coached
In 2005, Bears coach Mike Ditka praised McMichael's resilience, calling him the toughest player he had ever coached.
2008: Birth of Daughter
McMichael's daughter, Macy Dale, was born in 2008.
July 17, 2010: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
On July 17, 2010, McMichael was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
August 16, 2012: Mayoral Candidacy
McMichael announced his candidacy for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois, on August 16, 2012. He lost to incumbent John Noak.
2013: Ends Tenure as Head Coach of the Chicago Slaughter
McMichael's time as head coach for the Chicago Slaughter ended in 2013.
2013: End of Coaching Career
McMichael's time as head coach of the Chicago Slaughter ended in 2013 when the team folded.
2014: Nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
McMichael received a nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, highlighting his impact on the sport.
2015: Nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Once again, McMichael's contributions to football were acknowledged in 2015 with another nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
April 23, 2021: ALS Diagnosis
On April 23, 2021, McMichael announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
September 18, 2021: ALS Courage Award
The Les Turner ALS Foundation awarded McMichael with the ALS Courage Award on September 18, 2021.
2021: Diagnosed with ALS
In 2021, McMichael received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
August 2023: Named a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
McMichael's achievements were recognized in August 2023 when he was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
February 8, 2024: Officially Selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
On February 8, 2024, McMichael's place in football history was solidified with his official selection for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
August 3, 2024: Formally Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
On August 3, 2024, McMichael was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with his sister Kathy delivering a speech in his honor.
2024: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
McMichael's contributions to football were recognized in 2024 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
