McMichael became a standout contributor in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's “46” defense, teaming with three future Hall of Famers in Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, and Dan Hampton.

Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, left, talks with former Bear Steve McMichael before ... defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan singled out McMichael in the next day’s defensive meeting.

He soon became a regular contributor in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's "46" defense, ultimately teaming with three ... after I had just been hired as managing editor of the Chicago Bear Report ...

That was customary for former Bears' defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who only referred to new ... deemed him as a key part of the 1985 Bears defense that would become one of the best in NFL ...

That was customary for former Bears' defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who only referred to new players by their ... his roots in Texas and deemed him as a key part of the 1985 Bears defense that ...

Mongo proved to be a perfect fit for a legendary defense overflowing with ferocity and flamboyance, serving as a focal point in coordinator Buddy Ryan's 46 scheme. Truly a Monster of the Midway ...

“He epitomized what a Chicago Bear should be all about,” Mike Ditka ... On the eve of Super Bowl XX, Mr. McMichael was dismayed to hear Buddy Ryan, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, deliver ...