Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve McMichael’s second wife, Misty Davenport, and their daughter were with him during his last moment.
Steve McMichael, aka Mongo, was a legendary defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, best known for his role in their 1985 Super Bowl-winning team.
Born on Oct 17, 1957, he played in the NFL for 15 seasons, mostly with the Bears, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
"That's you baby, forever."
— ESPN (@espn) August 3, 2024
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
After retiring from football, he transitioned into professional wrestling in the 1990s. He became a WCW United States Champion and a member of the Four Horsemen alongside Ric Flair.
Tragically, McMichael passed away at the age of 67 after a four-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
His diagnosis was made public in 2021, and he entered hospice care shortly before his passing.
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
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 23, 2025
This tragic news of his passing was first publicly made by sports anchor Jarrett Payton on April 23, 2025 via X (Formerly Twitter).
Later, McMichael’s publicist, Betsy Shepherd, confirmed his passing to the Associated Press.
Steve McMichael And His Second Wife, Misty, Were Married For 23 Years Until His Passing!
Steve McMichael was married twice: first to Debra Marshall and later to Misty Davenport.
His first wife, Debra, was a professional wrestling manager and performer. She gained fame in WCW and WWF, managing wrestlers like Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart.
However, she divorced Steve in 1998 after being married for 13 years.
As for Debra, she continued her career in professional wrestling and won the WWF Women’s Championship in 1999.
After leaving wrestling in 2002, she largely stepped away from the public eye.
After a 13-year marriage that ultimately ended in divorce, Steve McMichael found lasting companionship with his second wife, Misty Davenport.
He later married Misty in 2001, and they had a daughter together.
Misty was deeply involved in advocating for his Hall of Fame induction. At the same time, she supported him through his battle with ALS.
VERY SAD NEWS: Chicago #Bears legend Steve McMichael is being removed from a ventilator in the ICU and transferred to hospice.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 23, 2025
💔🥹
McMichael is in the advanced stages of ALS; he was diagnosed in 2021.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Mongo’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/GwZyzQibab
She was by his side throughout his illness and helped him with daily care. They were together for almost 23 years until Steve’s tragic demise.
After his passing, Misty shared heartfelt words:
Steve wanted to live long enough to see himself inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he did.
Additionally, she once spoke about his dedication, saying:
ALS attacked all his organs except his heart. His heart is perfect.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Steve McMichael’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Steve played college football at the University of Texas and earned All-American honors in 1979.
- He also served as head coach of the Chicago Slaughter from 2007 to 2013 in the Continental Indoor Football League.
