Chicago Bears: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time
By Randy Gurzi
(1981-93). Steve McMichael. 3. player. 57. . DT
During the 1980 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected defensive tackle Steve McMichael with the 73rd overall pick. The Texas product was a talented defender, but his ‘colorful’ personality didn’t mesh well with the Patriots.
They weren’t as staunch as they are now, but were still all business even in their days of dysfunction. McMichael lasted just one season with the Patriots before they released him. He then went on to shine with the Bears over the next 13 seasons.
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Lining McMichael up next to Dan Hampton gave Chicago one of the more impressive starting duos at defensive tackle in the NFL. Together, they were a big reason for the Monsters of the Midway being so impressive.
The two defensive tackles were great together, as Hampton was a bully against the run and McMichael was a talented interior pass rusher.
Three times in his 13 seasons with the Bears, McMichael registered double-digit sacks. McMichael ended his time with the club with 814 career tackles and 92.5 career sacks. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was part of the team’s championship run in Super Bowl XX.
After leaving the Bears, McMichael spent one season with the hated Green Bay Packers. Despite being 37 years of age that year, he still managed to start 14 games for Green Bay.
From there, McMichael went on to have a career in professional wrestling with the WCW following his time in the NFL. There, he had feuds with Ric Flair and Goldberg and later was a part of Total Non-Stop Action wrestling.