In a moment that fans of the Chicago Bears had been eagerly anticipating, the legendary Steve McMichael was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Known fondly as “Mongo,” McMichael had been diagnosed with ALS in 2021, preventing him from attending the festivities in Canton. Instead, he watched the ceremony from his bedside, donning his gold jacket, surrounded by his Hall of Fame teammates.
As McMichael’s Hall of Fame bust was revealed in his room, he received a well-deserved standing ovation from those in attendance at Canton. It was a truly emotional moment, captured for all to see.
Over the course of his illustrious 15-year NFL career, McMichael achieved great success, including winning Super Bowl XX with the Bears. A two-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, McMichael was a dominant force in the middle of the Bears defense, amassing an impressive 92.5 sacks, a feat that still stands as the second-highest in Bears franchise history.
In a touching tribute, McMichael’s sister, Kathy, delivered a heartfelt speech on his behalf, as he had tragically lost his ability to speak. The speech began with McMichael’s words, “Hey Chicago Bears fans and Mongo fans. Woohoo! I’m in the Hall of Fame baby!”
Although it may have been one of the shorter acceptance speeches in Hall of Fame history, it was undeniably one of the most poignant. This dream come true for McMichael, a true legend of the Bears and the NFL, was a moment to be cherished and celebrated for years to come.