Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael passes away at 67 years old, Ric Flair pays tribute
After a four-year battle with ALS, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former WCW wrestler/commentator Steve “Mongo” McMichael passed away Wednesday at 67 years old.
Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, announced McMichael’s passing, stating he died at 5:28 PM. Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced McMichael had entered hospice care.
McMichael was elected to the Hall of Fame in February 2024 with his story on being elected while battling ALS getting national headlines. He was a star defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and was part of the 1985 Super Bowl winning team which featured arguably the best defense in NFL history.
Wrestling fans know McMichael as both a WCW wrestler and commentator during the Monday Night War era from 1995 through 1999. He was a member of the Four Horsemen and a one-time United States Champion, also appearing at 1995’s WWE WrestleMania XI as part of Lawrence Taylor’s entourage before he faced Bam Bam Bigelow.
Ric Flair, a longtime friend of McMichael, paid tribute after the news broke to who he called “my best friend” —