Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past Saturday, as he made an appearance on the video board during the ceremony in Canton, Ohio while in a hospital bed 300+ miles west.
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"That's you baby, forever."
Steve McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, is officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame surrounded by loved ones ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9cDqUmhyiZ
— ESPN (@espn) August 3, 2024
The 66-year-old, who is also a former world champion wrestler, has been dealing with ALS since 2021, so he was unable to make the trip to northeast Ohio to see his enshrinement in person. Nevertheless, McMichael was honored while being surrounded by his wife Misty, along with loved ones and former teammates in his Homer Glen, Illinois home.
Since losing his ability to verbally communicate, he let his sister Kathy deliver the enshrinement speech on his behalf.
"I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in, I played 15 years in the NFL and loved every minute of every down. I played with the greatest players and the greatest defense to this day."
Steve McMichael. Hall of Fame Class of 2024. #PFHOF24 pic.twitter.com/xO9oqdQhay
— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2024
To point out, the class of 2024 also included defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Julius Peppers, linebackers Randy Gradishar and Patrick Willis, wide receiver Andre Johnson, and kick/punt returner Devin Hester.
The Hall of Fame's master of ceremonies, ESPN's Chris Berman also released a message from McMichael.
"I do not want ALS to be my legacy... What I did on the field, that's my legacy. Pushing myself to the limit... farther than anybody else could.'"
2011 HOF inductee Richard Dent spoke to his former Bears teammate.
"Steve, we're here with all your world champion brothers... Back in Canton, we have 378 brothers that are looking for you. You are on a team that you can never be cut from and never be released from. When you die, you'll always be on this team. Welcome home, Steve. You're in football heaven forever."
“Mongo” now has his place in Canton forever. For the first time, we see the Bronze Bust of @ChicagoBears Legend Steve McMichael! pic.twitter.com/t87GfhlbIJ
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 3, 2024
Over the course of his 15-year career, McMichael recorded 95 sacks (4th-most among DT's), and while with the Bears (1982-1993) he played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games.
No One Respects The Athletes More Than Me And Not To Take Away From The Olympics, But Today Is A Special Day Because My Dear Friend Steve “Mongo” McMichael Who Has Been Battling ALS For 3 Years Is Being Inducted Into The Football Hall of Fame! He Is The Bravest & Strongest Person… pic.twitter.com/F84ouPLjOJ
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 3, 2024
