Latest news with #Steve'Mongo'McMichael
Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Jim McMahon: ‘Mongo' never quit. And neither will I, in advocating for pain relief.
Chicago lost a legend last week. I lost a brother. Bears great Steve 'Mongo' McMichael wasn't just a teammate during our Super Bowl run. He was a once-in-a-generation personality — fearless, funny and fiercely loyal. Whether it was on the field, in the wrestling ring or in a quiet moment with his family, Mongo brought everything he had to the table. When he was diagnosed with ALS — one of the cruelest, most unforgiving diseases out there — none of us were surprised to see him fight it with the same intensity he brought to every quarterback he ever chased down. But that didn't make it any easier to watch. ALS strips away everything slowly and relentlessly. It started with Steve's grip, then moved to his ability to eat, speak and eventually breathe on his own. The pain, the discomfort, the exhaustion — it's something no one should have to endure. And yet, Steve endured it all with grit, grace and heart. And through it all, he found relief and even some peace. Not from pharmaceuticals, but from something the public still doesn't fully understand: hemp. Now, let me be clear — I'm not talking about the cheap stuff you see behind the counter at gas stations. I'm talking about carefully produced, high-quality hemp-derived products. Since Steve's diagnosis, we began digging into the science and looking for help. Liquid delta-8 products became a game-changer in Steve's care. These products eased his pain. They improved his mood. They brought a level of comfort that opioids simply couldn't — and without the haze, the dependency or the risk. The doctors told us Steve had maybe two to five years. But he kept fighting well beyond that. And I genuinely believe these hemp products played a major role in that extension — not just of time but of dignity. This wasn't about getting high. It was about staying human. When Steve felt better, we all felt better. His family, his nurses, his fans — nobody wants to see a man suffer like that. These products gave him some relief, and they gave us all a little breathing room during the most brutal moments of his journey. What made the actual difference in Steve's physical and emotional well-being were those hemp products. And yet, right now, lawmakers across the country are working to ban or severely restrict access to the very products that helped Steve. They're doing it under the false assumption that these compounds are dangerous or recreational-only. That's just not true. This outdated view does real harm. It ignores the science. It erases the stories of families like mine. And worst of all, it removes a vital option for people living through hell, just because the political conversation hasn't caught up with the reality on the ground. There's a way forward. We can have a well-regulated cannabis market and a safe, responsible hemp market. Regulation doesn't have to mean prohibition. It should mean quality control, proper labeling, transparency — the things any consumer deserves, especially when their health is on the line. I co-founded Project Champion to advocate for that kind of future. Not just for former athletes like Steve and me, but for veterans, seniors, caregivers, and anyone looking for a natural, nonaddictive way to feel better. Steve believed in this fight. He supported this mission. And now that he's gone, I'm going to carry it forward. Let's be honest about what's at stake. This isn't about culture wars or politics. It's about compassion, about options and about common sense. It's about giving people tools that help — especially when everything else has failed. Mongo never quit. Neither will I. And neither should we. Rest easy, my brother. Your fight isn't over. We've got it from here. Jim McMahon, quarterback for the 1985 Super Bowl-winning Bears, played in the NFL for 15 seasons. McMahon considers medical cannabis a 'godsend' for the football-related injuries that have plagued him. He is co-founder of advocacy group Project Champion, along with NFL greats Ricky Williams and Kyle Turley, and co-founder of Revenant, a line of cannabis products.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Legends Pay Tribute to Late Steve 'Mongo' McMichael
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The football world was deeply saddened by the passing of Steve "Mongo" McMichael at age 67. The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer Steve McMichael after a brave battle with ALS. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones. — NFL (@NFL) April 23, 2025 McMichael was most well-known for his time with the Chicago Bears, where he was a Super Bowl Champion and named to two Pro Bowls (1986, 1987), a two-time first-team All-Pro (1985, 1987), and a two-time second-team All-Pro (1986, 1991). More Pro Wrestling: Released WWE Superstar Breaks Silence On Departure While McMichael is most well-known for his time on the gridiron, he was also an important figure in professional wrestling, having served as a color commentator and wrestler in WWF and WCW, eventually becoming a member of the legendary Four Horsemen stable and winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. WWE is saddened to learn that Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to McMichael's family, friends, and fans. — WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2025 Now, multiple wrestling icons from WWE, WCW, and beyond have come out to pay tribute to the beloved figure. CHICAGO - DECEMBER 13: Steve McMichael #76 of the Chicago Bears looks for the pass during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 13, 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 30-6. CHICAGO - DECEMBER 13: Steve McMichael #76 of the Chicago Bears looks for the pass during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 13, 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 30-6."WWE is saddened to learn that Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has passed away," WWE shared on social media. "WWE extends its condolences to McMichael's family, friends, and fans." More Pro Wrestling: Bayley May Be Leaving WWE: Report "The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve 'Mongo' McMichael," said pro wrestling icon Ric Flair. "He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A Battle! Rest In Peace My Friend!" The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve 'Mongo' McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A… — Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 23, 2025 "I'm very sad to learn that Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has passed away," said former WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. "He impressed us with his toughness, he inspired us with his bravery, and he moved us with his perseverance." I'm very sad to learn that Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has passed away. He impressed us with his toughness, he inspired us with his bravery, and he moved us with his perseverance. RIP Mongo -DDP — Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) April 24, 2025 "From the gridiron to the squared circle, Steve brought every bit of intensity to everything in his life," said WWE Hall of Famer and head of creative Triple H. "True legend in every regard. Our thoughts are with his family at this time." From the gridiron to the squared circle, Steve brought every bit of intensity to everything in his life. True legend in every regard. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. — Triple H (@TripleH) April 24, 2025 "With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Steve McMichael, legendary defensive tackle of the Chicago Bears' iconic 1985 Super Bowl-winning team," said former WWF Intercontinental Champion Marc Mero. "He passed away after a courageous battle with ALS." With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Steve McMichael, legendary defensive tackle of the Chicago Bears' iconic 1985 Super Bowl-winning team. He passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. I feel fortunate to have known him during our time together at WCW. I'm sharing a photo… — Marc Mero (@MarcMero) April 24, 2025 "I feel fortunate to have known him during our time together at WCW. I'm sharing a photo of us from an autograph session, where he insisted I wear his Super Bowl ring. His larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed. RIP" More Pro Wrestling: The Bella Twins Are Returning To WWE Bianca Belair Reportedly Suffered Significant Injury at WrestleMania For more NFL, WWE, and pro wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Steve ‘Mongo' McMichael dies at 67 after battle with ALS
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, a former NFL star and professional wrestler, has died at the age of 67 due to complications from ALS, according to his family. Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2021, McMichael had been bedridden in his final years. He passed away surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Misty and daughter Macy. McMichael spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he earned two All-Pro selections and was a key member of the team's 1985 Super Bowl-winning defense. He played a franchise-record 191 consecutive games and recorded 92.5 career sacks. After years of being overlooked, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. His wife noted that he revoked a previously signed Do Not Resuscitate order after learning he was a Hall of Fame finalist—an act that reflected his enduring passion for the game. Following his football career, McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, where he became part of the iconic Four Horsemen faction and won the U.S. Heavyweight title. He also appeared as a commentator and was featured at WWE's WrestleMania XI. After retirement, he stayed active in sports as a media host and coach. He hosted a Bears pre-game show on ESPN 1000 and later led the Chicago Slaughter in the Indoor Football League. In 2013, he made a run for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois. At the time of his passing, McMichael's estimated net worth was $3 million, built from his multifaceted career in sports and media. Born in Houston and raised in Freer, Texas, he was a standout at the University of Texas, earning unanimous All-American honors. McMichael leaves behind a legacy defined by athletic excellence, showmanship, and an unwavering will to fight.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Steve McMichael passes away at 67: What is the ALS disease he suffered from?
Steve ' Mongo ' McMichael, a star defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears ' 1985 Super Bowl-winning team and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, has died after a battle with ALS. He was 67. Sports anchor Jarrett Payton announced the news via X on Wednesday, April 23. "With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I'm grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. #Bears," the anchor wrote. McMichael, diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in January 2021. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and the Chicago Bears legend battled with it for over four years. His condition deteriorated significantly, and he was paralyzed and unable to talk. His wife, Misty, documented his resilience and also raised awareness about the rare disease on social media. "This man is the toughest man I've ever met in my life. He's hanging in there. He's actually better now that he's decided never go back to the hospital because we were going pretty much every month for different things," she previously wrote on social media. Recently, the 'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane too shared his ALS diagnosis. Here's everything you should know about the rare neurological disorder that affects motor neurons. What is ALS? ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons - the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movements like walking, talking, and chewing. Progressive means the symptoms get worse over time. In people with ALS, the brain eventually loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements such as walking, talking, chewing, and other functions, as well as breathing. While the cause of ALS is unknown, scientists believe many factors, such as hereditary and environmental exposures, are linked. ALS is more common in men than women. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports suggest less than 30,000 people in the United States have ALS; every year, about 5,000 people are diagnosed with the disease. King Charles Advised To Stay Away From Prince Harry's Security Case In UK Court: Report At present, there is no cure for the disease, however, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs for ALS that may prolong survival, reduce the rate of decline, or help manage symptoms. What are the symptoms of ALS? The early symptoms of the disease include: Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue Muscle cramps Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity) Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, or the neck Slurred and nasal speech Difficulty chewing or swallowing As the disease progresses, the muscle weakness and atrophy start to spread to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as: Difficulty chewing food and swallowing (dysphagia) Drooling (sialorrhea) Speaking or forming words (dysarthria) Breathing (dyspnea) Unintended crying, laughing, or other emotional displays (pseudobulbar symptoms) Constipation Maintaining weight and getting enough nutrients
