Born Oct. 17, 1957, in Houston, McMichael starred at the University of Texas from 1976-79. As a senior, he was named a consensus first-team All-American, all-Southwestern Conference, team MVP and defensive MVP of the Hula Bowl. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

McMichael was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 1980 draft. Released by New England before his second season, he signed with the Bears as a free agent in 1981. He soon became a regular contributor in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s “46” defense, ultimately teaming with three future Hall of Famers in Dent, Singletary and Dan Hampton.

McMichael was named first-team All-Pro in 1985 and 1987 and second-team All-Pro in 1986, 1988 and 1991. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1986 and 1987. McMichael reached double digits in sacks three times with 10.0 in 1984, 11.5 in 1988 and 10.5 in 1992.

McMichael did not miss a game over the final 12 years of his NFL career. As a member of the Bears, he appeared in 191 games with 157 starts before playing his final season with the Packers in 1994. His 95.0 career sacks rank third in NFL history by a defensive tackle.

After retiring from the NFL, McMichael enjoyed a successful second career in professional wrestling, most notably as a member of the iconic Four Horsemen in World Championship Wrestling from 1995-99.

More recently, McMichael co-hosted a Bears pregame show with the late Jeff Dickerson on Chicago’s ESPN 1000, served as head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League from 2007-2013 and ran for Mayor of Romeoville, Ill., in 2012, losing to incumbent John Noak.

McMichael was previously married to Debra (nee Marshall) from 1985-98. He married Misty (nee Davenport) in 2001, and their daughter Macy was born Jan. 22, 2008. He is survived by Misty, Macy, his sisters Sharon and Kathryn, brother John (Becky), niece Brennan and nephew Ricky.