REPORT: More Great News In The Steve McMichael Hall Of Fame Push

It was a minor surprise when the Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed that Steve McMichael was one of 31 semifinalists for the senior spot in Canton for the 2024 class. Many had given up hope that "Mongo" would ever get in despite having every qualification imaginable. He's 4th in NFL history among defensive tackles with 95 sacks. He's a two-time All-Pro, helped anchor one of the best defenses ever, and won a Super Bowl in 1985. There is no accomplishment he failed to achieve. McMichael should've been in long before this.

Thankfully it seems the Hall of Fame might be righting this wrong at the eleventh hour. An announcement came through that McMichael had made it through the next round of voting. This means he is one of 12 finalists for the honor of enshrinement. He has never been this close before, and it feels like he has a good chance to get it. The timing couldn't be better. McMichael continues his fight against ALS, and there is a strong belief he may not be around much longer.

It would be a wonderful last gift to get him a gold jacket while he's still here.

Steve McMichael may have a slight advantage in his favor.

He is the only defensive lineman among the finalists. Nobody else is in the mix that plays a similar position. That should help him stand out. His qualifications speak for themselves. The only reason he isn't in already is likely because he played on a defense that was loaded with all-time greats. Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary got in relatively soon after they retired. Richard Dent was the third to hear his name a few years ago. For whatever reason, voters don't like putting too many guys from the same unit into Canton. It seems unfair to others.

That is a backward way of thinking. The reality is the Bears successfully stacked that defense with Hall of Fame talent. It should be applauded. If the 1970s Steelers can have four guys in Canton, so can the 1980s Bears. Steve McMichael did everything to deserve the honor. He was a terrific representative of the league, making it more fun to watch. His rebellious attitude may have rubbed some people the wrong way, but that cannot and should not be held against him.