HOMER GLEN, IL…. State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport) has sponsored a resolution honoring legendary Chicago Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael on his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. House Resolution 910, filed by State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen), congratulates McMichael on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and thanks him for his contribution to the history of the Bears and professional football.
“Steve McMichael is a pro football legend and an icon amongst Chicago sports fans,” said Rep. Sheehan. “The skill and tenacity he displayed as a member of the dominant Bears’ defenses during the ‘80s and ‘90s have rightly earned him recognition as one of the greatest to ever wear orange and blue. While Steve was a tremendous talent on the field, his football prowess is only outshined by his character. I had the privilege of meeting Mongo years back when he was performing with the Chicago 6 and, like everyone who has met him, cannot speak highly enough about who he is as a person. Steve was outgoing, down-to-earth, quick-witted, and had no problem giving me a hard time on my love for Tom Brady. I cannot think of a better representative of the Bears organization and am thrilled to see him receive such incredible honors.”
In 15 NFL seasons, including 13 with the Chicago Bears, Steve McMichael racked up an impressive stat line, which included setting the franchise’s all-time record for appearances with 191 games and finishing second in the team’s all-time leaderboard for sacks with 92.5, only behind Hall of Famer, Richard Dent. McMichael played an important role in the Bear’s victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl XX and helped the team set numerous defensive team records along with six NFC Central Division titles during his career. By the end of his career, McMichael had accumulated an impressive number of NFL honors, including two Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro selections. In addition, McMichael earned a spot on the Chicago Bears All-Time Team and slotted as number 19 on the Top 100 Bears of all time.
In 2021, McMichael took on a new opponent and was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal disease that causes a loss of muscle control. Despite his diagnosis years ago, McMichael has fought bravely against ALS and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August at his Homer Glen home surrounded by loved ones and former teammates.
“Steve’s induction into Canton signifies a career that defined excellence, grit, and class,” said Sheehan. “His endless determination on the field inspired Bears fans on Sundays, and that same determination in his battle against ALS inspires us all today. I am incredibly proud to honor such an incredible man and Homer Glen resident on making it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations on your well-deserved gold jacket, Steve!”
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State Representative Patrick Sheehan represents the 37th District which includes portions of Will and Suburban Cook Counties. For more information, please visit RepSheehan.com or contact Rep. Sheehan’s district office at 708-694-2032