Every year, reporters start the countdown of days leading up to the beginning of the NFL season. In Chicago, it is no different. Some Chicago writers mark the day, since the countdown hit double digits, providing us with the names of players who have worn the jersey number representing the day. It started with 99 and the name Dan Hampton.
This week, on Monday, June 26th, the Bears opener is 76 days away. Bears starting guard, Teven Jenkins currently wears the jersey number, but arguably the greatest player to wear number 76 is Hampton's teammate, Steve McMichael.
After a stellar college career at the University of Texas, McMichael was selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots. He appeared in only 6 games in the 1980 season and was released after just one year. McMichael was signed by the Bears prior to the 1981 season. He was a rotational player on the defensive line for two seasons before cracking the Bears' starting lineup in 1983.
Beginning in 1984, Steve McMichael started every game at Defensive Tackle. That streak lasted for six years, and after starting just 7 games in 1990, he started every game from 91-93. McMichael finished his career ranked second all-time in sacks with 92.5 sacks. Only teammate Richard Dent (124.5) has more.
Playing one more year in Green Bay, starting 14 games in 1994, then he retired from the NFL. His larger-than-life persona was mesmerizing to all Bears fans. He was brash and spoke his mind. In a memorable quote, he had this to say regarding his one year with the Packers. "For 13 years, I helped the Bears beat the Packers every year. I whupped their ass, right? So the last year, I went up there on my last leg and I wasn't any good anymore. So I stole their money and whipped their ass again!"
Life After the NFL
After his retirement from the NFL, McMichael spent time in Professional Wrestling, along with his first wife, Debra Marshall. His marriage to Marshall ended during his time in wrestling.
McMichael, always with close ties to the Chicago sports scene, co-hosted a Bears pre-game show with Jeff Dickerson on ESPN 1000. He turned his attention to coaching and was the head coach for the Chicago Slaughter from 2007 - 2013. The Slaughter was an indoor football league team, playing in the CIFL and IFL.
In 2001 he tied the knot for the second time, marrying Misty Davenport and they became parents in January of 2008 when Misty gave birth to their daughter Macy Dale.
The Fight of His Life
Life forever changed for McMichael two years ago. On April 23, 1921, McMichael announced he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In his announcement, he also stated he would retire from any public appearances.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a motor neuron disease that slowly affects the cells that control voluntary muscles of the body. He is no longer able to walk or speak. He receives home care 24/7.
News and Notes
This past weekend marked the 101st anniversary of two name changes in NFL history. On June 24, 1922, the American Professional Football Association officially changed its name to the National Football League. Additionally, the team known as the Chicago Staleys also changed their name to the Chicago Bears.
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