Former Bears Defensive Tackle Steve McMichael Advances in Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Process
In the latest development of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process, former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael has moved a step closer to earning his rightful place among the football greats. The group of Senior semifinalists for the Class of 2024 has been narrowed down from 31 to just 12, and McMichael is among the select few who remain.
The charismatic Texas native, affectionately known as “Mongo,” spent an impressive 13 seasons with the Bears from 1981 to 1993. During this time, he made an indelible mark on the team by appearing in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games. McMichael’s contributions to the Bears’ success were undeniable, as he ranks second in team history with 92.5 sacks and played a crucial role in helping the Bears secure six division championships. Furthermore, McMichael was a vital part of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl XX championship defense—an iconic unit widely regarded as the best in NFL history.
Individually, McMichael’s stellar career statistics and accomplishments speak for themselves. He was named a two-time first-team All-Pro, a three-time second-team All-Pro, and a two-time Pro Bowler. These accolades solidify his status as one of the game’s finest players. In recognition of his remarkable career, McMichael was honored by being named the 19th best player in Bears history in 2019, as determined by esteemed writers Don Pierson and Dan Pompei in the Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook—an impressive feat for a non-Hall of Famer.
However, McMichael’s football career is not the only reason why he has been making headlines. In April 2021, he revealed that he is battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a debilitating neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease that progressively affects motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Tragically, McMichael’s condition has continued to deteriorate, presenting an added sense of urgency in his pursuit of Hall of Fame recognition.
Joining McMichael as remaining Senior semifinalists are a group of esteemed individuals, including Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Roger Craig, Randy Gradishar, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor, and Al Wistert. These individuals, like McMichael, possess impressive resumes and are vying for a spot in the esteemed Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In the Coach/Contributor category, another Bears luminary remains in contention. Clark Shaughnessy, who served as a defensive coach for the Bears from 1951 to 1962, has survived the cut from 29 to 12 semifinalists. Shaughnessy is highly regarded as an innovator in football strategy, notably introducing the “T” formation during his coaching tenure.
The remaining Coach/Contributor semifinalists include notable names such as Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Shanahan, Lloyd Wells, and John Wooten. These individuals will join Shaughnessy in the next round of discussions, where one Coach or Contributor will be selected for final consideration for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
Notably, Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey was among the initial semifinalists in the Coach/Contributor category. However, she was not selected to move forward in the selection process.
Both selection committees will convene to thoroughly evaluate and discuss the semifinalists. The Coach/Contributor Committee members are slated to meet on August 15, with the aim of selecting one Coach or Contributor to advance to the final stage of the selection process. Meanwhile, the Seniors Committee will meet on August 22 and may choose up to three Seniors for final consideration. It’s worth mentioning that the Seniors pool for election to the Hall has been expanded for the Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025, allowing more deserving individuals the opportunity for induction.
As the selection process continues, the football world eagerly awaits the final decision. Will the esteemed Steve McMichael, alongside his fellow semifinalists, secure a well-deserved place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024? The answer will be revealed in due time, but for now, fans and supporters alike remain hopeful that these exceptional individuals will be honored for their unparalleled contributions to the game.