Finally, fan favorite, Steve "Mongo" McMichael going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Photo | Chicago Bears)
Chicago Bears legendary defensive tackle, Steve “Mongo” McMichael has been named into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. A fan favorite, McMichael’s honor is the culmination of a petition and letter-writing campaign to the Hall of Fame that began in May 2022 by his group of enthusiastic fans known as Team Mongo and the sportswriters who vote on the players.
Chicago Bear Steve "Mongo" McMichael to be inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame, along with Devin Hester and Julius Peppers. (Photo | Chicago Bears)
“When Steve was losing his ability to speak, I asked him what else I could do for him. He whispered to me, ‘Hall of Fame’”, said Betsy Shepherd, McMichael’s publicist of 24 years. “I reached out to the media and Team Mongo on social media to get this done for Steve. We all believe this is long overdue. His stats are better than some who are already in the Hall of Fame. He has given so much to his fans and charities, we had to make this happen for him. The Hall of Fame told us they were flooded with letters and the sportswriters, especially Dan Pompei, pushed this over the goal line for Steve.”
Team Mongo's t-shirts, by Obvious, will benefit the McMichael family. (Photo courtesy of Betsy Shepherd)
Obvious Shirts has updated its collection of Team Mongo shirts. All proceeds will benefit the McMichael family.
Fans should also keep a lookout for billboards going up around Chicagoland starting Friday. Lamar Billboards teamed up with ALS United Greater Chicago and Team Mongo to congratulate Steve on his Hall of Fame induction.
Lamar has donated billboards to celebrate Mongo's induction. Beginning Friday, they will be seen all over Chicagoland. (Photo courtesy of Betsy Shepherd)
McMichael, who has waited two decades to get in, will be inducted along with fellow ex-Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers.
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