Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael at his Mongo McMichaels restaurant on April 25, 2019 in Romeoville, Illinois.
Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael at his Mongo McMichaels restaurant on April 25, 2019 in Romeoville, Illinois.
Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) one year after his death
McMichael's wife Misty said the family wants "to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS" in a statement released by the Concussion & CTE Foundation on Tuesday, April 7
McMichael died in April 2025, five years after he was diagnosed with ALS
Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael has been diagnosed with CTE, one year after his death at age 67.
The Concussion and CTE Foundation said on Tuesday, April 7 that McMichael, who died in April 2025, has been posthumously diagnosed with stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by Boston University CTE Center researchers. McMichael had also been diagnosed with ALS five years before his death.
The Bears legend's widow, Misty McMichael, said she wants to share her husband's diagnosis to help further CTE research and public awareness.
“By sharing Steve’s diagnosis, we want to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS,” Misty, his wife of 25 years, said, adding, “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
Steve McMichael at Chicago Bears training camp in Lake Forest, Illinois, on Aug. 28, 1990
Steve McMichael at Chicago Bears training camp in Lake Forest, Illinois, on Aug. 28, 1990
Dr. Ann McKee, Director of Boston University CTE Center and Chief of Neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System, said in a statement, “Steve McMichael had severe CTE as well as ALS with TDP-43 inclusions typical for ALS in his brainstem and spinal cord. There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS; in our CTE brain bank, about 6% of individuals with CTE also have ALS."
Dr. Chris Nowinski, Co-Founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, said in a statement that McMichael "was known for his strength, toughness, and larger-than-life presence, but his final act was to give a piece of himself back to the sports community so we might have a chance to save ourselves."
Nowinski added, "I appreciate all the former athletes, including many of Steve’s ’85 Bears teammates, who are raising funds and volunteering to participate in CTE research so we can create a brighter future for athletes everywhere.”
McMichael shared his ALS diagnosis in 2021 after he stopped making public appearances. He told the Chicago Tribune at the time, “I promise you, this epitaph that I’m going to have on me now? This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end.”
“I thought I was ready for anything,” he said. “But man. This will sneak up on you like a cheap-shotting Green Bay Packer.”
Steve McMichael, Chicago BearsSteve McMichael, Chicago Bears
Steve McMichael in 2021.
Sports anchor Jarrett Payton announced the news of McMichael's death via X at the time. "With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones," Payton began. "I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. 🙏🏽 #Bears."
McMichael died shortly after his wife, Misty, shared that he would be entering hospice as his health declined, TMZ reported.
McMichael played in the NFL for 15 seasons, mostly with the Chicago Bears. Playing with the Bears from 1981 to 1993, he helped the team win the Super Bowl at the end of the 1985 season. In February 2024, McMichael learned he had been selected for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.