SC Featured: The journey of Steve McMichael from ALS to the Hall of Fame (9:49)Former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael is on a journey not only fighting ALS, but also waiting for the call for the Hall of Fame. (9:49)
Associated PressMultiple AuthorsApr 7, 2026, 08:13 AM ET
BOSTON — Hall of Famer Steve McMichael, a key member of the dominating defense that helped the 1985 Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the Concussion & CTE Foundation said.
McMichael died last year at 67 after a five-year battle with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” his wife, Misty McMichael, said in a statement released by the foundation. “I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
A two-time All-Pro and 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, McMichael was known as “Mongo” and “Ming The Merciless” while playing in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981-93. He ranks second to Richard Dent on the Bears’ career sacks list with 92.5.
McMichael played his final NFL season with Green Bay in 1994 and then went on to a career in pro wrestling.
In 2021, McMichael revealed he was battling ALS, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. He followed the research seeking a link between ALS and CTE and pledged his brain to be studied, according to Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
“Steve 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 that we might have a chance to save ourselves,” Nowinski said. “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.”
SC Featured: The journey of Steve McMichael from ALS to the Hall of Fame (9:49)Former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael is on a journey not only fighting ALS, but also waiting for the call for the Hall of Fame. (9:49)
Former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael is on a journey not only fighting ALS, but also waiting for the call for the Hall of Fame. (9:49)
“There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS,” McKee said.