Hearken, gentle readers, to tidings most somber from the realm of the pigskin warriors. The hallowed kingdom of Longhorn hath lost a most valiant champion. Sir Steve McMichael, who bore the sacred burnt orange standard from the year of our Lord 1976 until 1979, hath departed from this mortal coil on the twenty-third day of April.
This noble knight endured a four-year battle against the fearsome dragon known as ALS, yet was blessed to receive the sacred scroll of induction into the NFL Hall of Fame before his journey's end. Some fifteen winters prior, the College Football Hall of Fame had already carved his name upon their immortal tablets, recognizing his record-breaking feats while serving the Longhorn realm.
During his glorious campaigns with Texas, Sir McMichael amassed a treasure trove of conquests – 369 tackles and 30 sacks – figures so magnificent that no Longhorn warrior hath surpassed them since. Under his protection, the Longhorn kingdom suffered but twelve defeats while claiming thirty-four victories and one honorable draw.
In the annals of Texas lore, Sir McMichael was crowned a unanimous First-Team All-American, a title bestowed upon only the most extraordinary of champions. Twice did he receive the First-Team All-Southwest Conference medallion. This Texas-born knight was chosen in the third round of the grand selection ceremony of 1979, before embarking upon his legendary quests with the New England Patriots (1980), Chicago Bears (1981-1993), and Green Bay Packers (1994).
While bearing the standard of the mighty Bears, McMichael claimed the coveted chalice of Super Bowl XX and was twice summoned to the hallowed Pro Bowl tournament. Five times did he earn All-Pro honors betwixt the years 1985 and 1991.
Upon news of his passage to the great stadium beyond, Lord Archie Manning of the National Football Foundation released a scroll of remembrance: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve McMichael, a true legend of our game and a beloved member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Steve played with unmatched tenacity and heart, and his accomplishments clearly place him among the greatest to ever play our game. His battle with ALS showed the same strength and spirit that defined him as a player."
Beyond the gridiron battlefields, Sir McMichael ventured into the theatrical combat arenas of professional wrestling, displaying his martial prowess in the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
When Death's dark messenger finally claimed this warrior, McMichael had seen but 67 summers, having valiantly jousted with the ALS affliction since the year 2021.
May his legend echo throughout the great stone halls of football lore forevermore!