Legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael died Wednesday at age 67, after a lengthy battle with ALS.

Bears chairman George McCaskey issued a statement honoring McMichael, who was a vital member of the franchise’s 1985 Super Bowl-winning team.

“It’s a cruel irony that the Bears’ Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease,” McCaskey said in the statement. “Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal, and he demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity and his humanity. He is at peace now. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve’s family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear.”

Late Bears legend Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett, first posted the news on his X account.

McMichael was a third-round pick in the 1980 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, but he played in just six games for them before being released in 1981. The Bears picked up the University of Texas defensive lineman and made him a staple on their front.

During 13 seasons with the Bears, “Mongo” played in 191 consecutive games — a franchise record — from 1981 to 1993. He was a two-time Pro Bowl pick (1986 and 1987) and a All-Pro in three consecutive seasons, making the first team in 1985 and 1987.

McMichael ranks second in Bears franchise history for most sacks (92.5) behind teammate Richard Dent’s 124.5.

Bears fans admired McMichael’s larger-than-life personality during his time in Chicago. From being a coach to the indoor football team — the Chicago Slaughter — to voicing a memorable seventh-inning stretch at a Cubs game, McMichael was a special player on and off the field.

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and, three years later, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining 31 other Chicago Bears in Canton.