Known by the nickname “Mongo,” McMichael was a 6’2”, 270 lb. defensive tackle who played 15 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots (1980), the Chicago Bears (1981-1993) and the Green Bay Packers (1994). Born in Houston on October 17, 1957, his family later moved to Freer, Texas where he made all-state as a senior in 1975. At the University of Texas from 1976 to 1979 he was a member of the Longhorns’ 1977 SWC championship team and was twice selected All SWC (1978 & 1979). McMichael earned unanimous First Team All-American honors in 1979 and set the school’s career records for tackles (369) and sacks (30) before entering the NFL in 1980. With the Bears, he became a stalwart of their legendary defense, earning two Pro Bowl selections (1986 & 1987), and three consecutive first team All Pro selections (1985-87). McMichael played in a franchise record 191 consecutive games for Chicago and helped secure the team’s Super Bowl XX championship in 1986. McMichael had 95 career sacks and ranks second in career sacks in Chicago Bears history behind teammate Richard Dent. After football, he achieved success as a professional wrestler with WCW and coached indoor football, while battling ALS in his later years until his death on April 23, 2025, at age 67. MicMichael was inducted in the Texas High School Football HOF (1992), the College Football Hall of Fame (2009) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2024).
