The gold jacket didn’t arrive at Canton—it came to their living room. In August 2024, as Steve “Mongo” McMichael’s body continued to battle ALS, the Pro Football Hall of Fame made a rare exception. Knowing he might never walk its hallowed halls, they brought the honor to him. In a private ceremony held in the family’s Illinois home, wife Misty McMichael gently helped place the iconic gold jacket on her husband’s shoulders. Their daughter, Macy, stood nearby as the bronze bust was unveiled. No crowds. No speeches. Just a quiet, sacred moment, etched forever in the heart of a family who had given everything to football. And was now giving everything to each other.

On Wednesday, McMichael passed away at 67. A Super Bowl XX champion and two-time Pro Bowler, he had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since January 2021. Inducted into the Top 100 Greatest Bears of All Time, McMichael embodied toughness both on and off the field. “With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers,” his family and the hospital said in a statement.

While fans remember McMichael for the grit he brought to the game, the fight he showed off the field was something only his family saw up close. At the heart of it all was Misty McMichael.

Who Is Steve McMichael’s Wife?

Married for 23 years, Steve’s wife, Misty Davenport, remained his caregiver during his battle with ALS. McMichael and Davenport were married on March 24, 2001. Before that, he was married to Debra Marshall, a former wrestler and actress. Steve and Misty married three years after his divorce from Debra.

Although not much is known about Misty’s personal and professional life, she has always stood by her husband’s side. In August last year, the Hall of Fame honored McMichael as a member of the Class of 2024. Since he couldn’t be there, Misty took the stage to represent him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony.

On Wednesday morning, headlines emerged that the former Bears defensive tackle had been moved to a hospice facility. His health had been deteriorating over the past few days. “As of today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has recommended to the family to transfer Steve into a Joliet hospice facility this afternoon. He’s been unresponsive for the last two weeks and has been in and out of the hospital. He’s currently in the ICU at Silver Cross,” she told FOX 32 Chicago.

After being together for 23 years, their journey came to an end on Wednesday as Steve McMichael left for his heavenly abode.

Who is Steve and Misty’s daughter?

Misty and Steve have one daughter together, named Macy Dale. They welcomed Macy in 2008, seven years after their marriage. Now 17, their daughter is currently pursuing her education. The family resides in Illinois.

Macy, along with her mother, has stood by her father’s side ever since he lost his physical abilities. Last year in February, when Steve’s name was announced for induction into the Hall of Fame class, Misty said in an interview, “He’s amazing. In football, especially, but in everything he does, he’s amazing. He’s the most awesome football player I’ve ever seen. I’m a little bit biased, but y’all can watch the film.“

After gracing the gridiron for 15 years, McMichael transitioned to a career in wrestling. From 1995 to 1999, Steve graced the wrestling ring. Steve McMichael’s life was never just about the victories, the championships, or the fame. It was about his unwavering strength through every fight, whether on the field, in the ring, or against ALS. His journey may have ended, but his legacy of resilience, determination, and heart will live on.