Texas-ex, Bears legend Steve McMichael elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Bears legend and Texas alumnus Steve McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday night. A two-time All-Pro during his 13-year career with Chicago, the defensive lineman known as "Mongo" was instrumental to the 1985 version of the team that ended up winning Super Bowl XX.

The 65-year-old McMichael is currently fighting ALS which he was diagnosed with in 2021. It has taken away his ability to move or speak. His wife Misty has been taking care of him for the past year and represented him as he was elected.

McMichael spent three years at Texas from 1976-79. He recorded 369 tackles and 28.5 sacks while on campus, including 122 tackles and 43 hurries in 1978. He was a consensus All-American and All-SWC choice in 1978 and 1979 and the UT MVP in 1979.

The former Longhorn was then drafted 73rd overall in the third round by the New England Patriots in 1980. He was cut after his rookie season but was then picked up by the Bears, who were able to coax his underlying talents out of him.

He was part of what some consider the best NFL defense of all time, Chicago's "46 defense." As one of the anchoring defensive tackles of the team, he lined up alongside other Hall of Fame talents such as William "The Refrigerator" Perry, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton. For his career, "Mongo" collected 95 sacks, 838 tackles and 13 forced fumbles.

A fan favorite due to his flamboyant personality, McMichael was known for his outgoing personality and reputation for having a bit of a wild streak. That character eventually led to him joining the world of wrestling, where all of his NFL skills translated well.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael joins NFL Football Hall of Fame