Misty McMichael stood by her husband’s side, supporting him through ALS and representing him at his Hall of Fame induction.
Highlights
- Steve met his wife Misty at Pearl Oyster bar, married in 2001, and had a daughter named Macy in 2008.
- She convinced him to abandon the DNR agreement and has been his primary caregiver and representative since his 2021 diagnosis.
- While he was unable to attend in person, he was aware of the achievement and celebrated it from home while Misty represented him in Canton.
Born in Houston, Texas, on October 17, 1957, McMichael emerged as a standout athlete who excelled in multiple sports during his high school years.
While baseball was initially his preferred sport, football would become his true calling.
After receiving scholarship offers from 75 institutions, he chose the University of Texas, where he distinguished himself as a defensive tackle for the Longhorns.
His college career was marked by impressive achievements, including being a consensus first-team All-American and the defensive MVP at the 1979 Hula Bowl.
McMichael’s tenacity caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his draft by the New England Patriots in 1980, though his initial NFL journey was far from smooth.
After being cut before his second season, McMichael found his true home with the Chicago Bears in 1981, where he would go on to build a legendary career that ultimately earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Misty McMichael’s Role As Wife And Caregiver In Steve’s Inspiring Hall Of Fame Journey
Misty McMichael is more than just a wife – she is the symbol of unwavering love and support.
Their love story began on a fateful Sunday night at the Pearl Oyster bar, where Steve, sporting sunglasses and a long ponytail, approached Misty with a bold and playful pickup line.
Their connection was immediate and powerful, leading to their marriage on March 24, 2001.
This was Steve’s second marriage, as he had previously been married to Debra Marshall for 13 years.
In 2008, the couple welcomed their daughter, Macy Dale, expanding their family and creating a new chapter in their lives.
Their greatest test of love came years later, when Steve was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 2021, right as he was on the brink of potential Hall of Fame recognition.
Misty McMichael is a Smokeshow pic.twitter.com/3ZeyqrvdxV
— Joey fatts (@joeyjo35t) August 2, 2024
Misty transformed from wife to caregiver, becoming Steve’s strongest advocate and most devoted supporter.
When Steve was initially reluctant to seek medical intervention, suggesting a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) agreement, Misty’s love and strategic communication helped him overcome critical health challenges.
During a challenging moment, she reminded him of the potential Hall of Fame induction, asking him to blink once if he wanted to fight – and he blinked.
Her dedication paid off. In February 2024, Steve McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Unable to attend due to his health conditions, Misty represented him at the ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, wearing Bears orange and speaking passionately about her husband’s incredible career. Expressing her pride, she told reporters,
“He’s amazing. In football especially, but in everything he does, he’s amazing.”
Yahoo
Steve’s battle with ALS has not diminished his mental acuity.
While the disease has robbed him of physical mobility, he remains fully aware of his incredible achievement.
Surrounded by his loving wife and supported by his football family, Steve McMichael continues to inspire millions with his resilience, both on and off the field.
Additional Information
- McMichael was a versatile high school athlete who lettered in six sports (football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, golf) and attracted attention from MLB teams as a catcher with a .450 batting average.
- While at the University of Texas, he served as the backup placekicker in 1977 alongside his defensive tackle duties.
- During a 1991 game against the Jets, he forced a crucial fumble with under 2 minutes remaining that led to the Bears’ game-tying touchdown and eventual overtime victory.
