Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Famer who died last year after a battle with ALS, has beendiagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
This tragic announcement came from the Concussion & CTE Foundation on Tuesday. And it sent shockwaves across the football community, not as a tribute to a fallen bear but as an alarm bell about what the game costs the men who play it.
Former Bears Steve McMichael’s Posthumous CTE Diagnosis Ignites Outrage
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the 1985 Bears legend and Hall of Famer, died at 67 after fighting ALS for five years. On Tuesday,ESPN’s Adam Schefter reportedthat the Concussion & CTE Foundation confirmed McMichael also had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Dr. Ann McKee, who leads the Boston University CTE Center, found that McMichael had Stage 3 CTE. She also identified brainstem and spinal cord damage typical of ALS. McKee noted a strong link between repetitive head hits and ALS, pointing out that about 6% of people in their CTE brain bank suffer from both.
NFL: Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of the playing of the national anthem with the NFL Salute to Service ribbon logo at midfield and fireworks before the game between the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
His wife, Misty McMichael, donated his brain to science. She stated that too many NFL players face ALS while alive, only to be diagnosed with CTE after they pass. She hopes Steve’s donation helps researchers finally prove the connection between the two.
Hall of Famer Steve McMichael, a key member of the dominating defense that helped the 1985 Bears win the Super Bowl, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the Concussion & CTE Foundation said.
More via @AP:https://t.co/RpbNC9SNcF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 7, 2026
She is not wrong, however. Former NFL players Junior Seau, Conrad Dobler, and Dave Duerson were all diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. According to a 2021 Harvard Medical School and Boston University study, NFL players are more than four times more likely to develop ALS than other men. Currently, this pattern is becoming impossible to ignore afterCam Skattebo opened up about this.
People are already worried about CTE. On social media, many are calling for a solution before more players lose their lives to the disease.
One fanwrote, “I watched a friend die of ALS. One of the more traumatic things I have personally seen. Just breaks your heart and you are helpless to do anything than just be there.”
Anotheradded, “Really sad to hear about Steve McMichael. He gave his all on the field, and this shows the toll the game takes. Sending strength to him and his family.”
A thirdclaimed, “Another legend from Super Bowl XX era dealing with CTE… yet the sport keeps pretending the cost isn’t that high.”
The fourth onenoted, “Another reminder that football isn’t worth it. Glory on the field doesn’t protect you from a lifetime of brain damage. The NFL celebrated warriors like McMichael, but ignored the dangers until it was too late.”
One X userpenned, “We need to prevent this before it kills more.”
McMichael was a powerhouse on the field. He played 191 straight games for the Bears and earned two All-Pro and two Pro Bowl selections. With 92.5 sacks, he ranks second in franchise history behind Richard Dent.
He anchored the 1985 “Monsters of the Midway” defense that shut down the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. In 2024, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, though his ALS prevented him from attending the ceremony.
While still alive, McMichael pledged to donate his brain to science. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, said this final act was intended to help researchers protect future players. It may end up being his most significant contribution to the sport.