Steve McMichael Net Worth

What was Steve McMichael's Net Worth?

Steve McMichael was an American professional football player who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death. Steve "Mongo" McMichael established himself as one of the most dominant defensive tackles in National Football League (NFL) history during his 15-year career. Best known for his 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1993, McMichael was a cornerstone of the legendary "46 defense" that propelled the 1985 Bears to a Super Bowl championship. His remarkable durability was evidenced by a Bears franchise record of 191 consecutive games played. Beyond his football achievements, which include two first-team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl appearances, McMichael embarked on a successful career as a professional wrestler with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) following his NFL retirement. After a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 and passed away on April 23, 2025, at age 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the Bears' most beloved figures and one of football's most formidable defensive players.

Early Life and College Career

Born in Houston, Texas, McMichael's parents separated when he was around two years old. His mother Betty later married E.V. McMichael, an oil company executive whom Steve considered his father and whose surname he adopted. The family relocated to Freer, Texas, where McMichael developed into an exceptional multi-sport athlete, lettering in six different sports during his senior year of high school.

Despite receiving interest from Major League Baseball teams as a catcher, McMichael's parents encouraged him to pursue college education. He attended the University of Texas, where legendary coach Darrell Royal recruited him as a defensive end. McMichael flourished with the Longhorns, becoming a unanimous first-team All-America selection and setting school records with 369 career tackles and 30 sacks. His collegiate excellence earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

NFL Career

The New England Patriots selected McMichael in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft, but his tenure there was brief, lasting only six games before his release. This setback became a turning point when the Chicago Bears signed him, beginning a 13-season run that would define his career and cement his place in franchise history.

McMichael quickly established himself as an essential component of defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's innovative "46 defense." His combination of strength, technique, and relentless motor made him nearly unblockable at times. While teammates like Mike Singletary and Richard Dent often received more attention, coaches and opponents recognized McMichael's critical importance to the Bears' defensive dominance.

The pinnacle of McMichael's career came during the Bears' historic 1985 season. He recorded eight sacks in the regular season, added another in Super Bowl XX, and earned first-team All-Pro honors while helping lead a defense widely considered among the greatest in NFL history. This Bears unit set records by allowing the fewest points, fewest yards, and creating the most takeaways in the league.

McMichael's consistent production included seven consecutive seasons (1983-1989) with at least seven sacks, an extraordinary achievement for an interior defensive lineman. By the time he retired, he had accumulated 95 career sacks, with 92.5 coming as a Bear, ranking him second in franchise history behind only Richard Dent. His other career statistics include 847 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, and 17 fumble recoveries.

After his time with the Bears concluded, McMichael spent his final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994. He later joked that he joined the Bears' bitter rival only to "steal their money and whup their ass again," a comment that endeared him further to Chicago fans.

Contracts, Salary and Career Earnings

In 1990, McMichael was under a contract with the Bears that paid him $500,000 and $650,000 over two years . By 1994, after being released by the Bears, he signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers worth $450,000

Post-NFL Career

Following his football retirement, McMichael reinvented himself as a professional wrestler with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He initially served as a commentator before transitioning to in-ring competition in 1996. His wrestling career reached its peak when he joined the elite "Four Horsemen" group led by Ric Flair and captured the United States heavyweight championship.

Beyond wrestling, McMichael remained a prominent figure in Chicago, working as a sports radio personality and maintaining strong connections with the Bears organization and fanbase. His larger-than-life personality and distinctive voice made him instantly recognizable, while his straightforward, often humorous commentary kept him relevant long after his playing days.

Final Years and Legacy

In 2021, McMichael revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Despite the devastating prognosis, he approached his illness with the same toughness he displayed on the football field.

After years of consideration, McMichael was finally selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a senior committee nominee in 2024. Due to his condition, a special ceremony was held at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois, where he received his gold jacket and Hall of Fame bust surrounded by family and former teammates, while his sister delivered his enshrinement speech via video at the official ceremony in Canton, Ohio.

McMichael passed away on April 23, 2025, at age 67. He is survived by his wife Misty, whom he married in 2001, and their daughter Macy, born in 2008.

Steve McMichael's legacy encompasses both his extraordinary athletic achievements and his unforgettable personality. Bears chairman George McCaskey called it "a cruel irony that the Bears' Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease," but noted that throughout his battle, McMichael demonstrated "his class, his dignity, and his humanity." As both player and personality, "Mongo" left an indelible mark on football history and Chicago sports culture.

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