Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the legendary Chicago Bears player, has recently been diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This diagnosis follows his death in April 2025, which occurred just one year after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) began. His wife, Misty McMichael, is making a heartfelt effort to raise awareness about the links between these two neurodegenerative diseases that have profoundly affected many former NFL players.
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Misty McMichael made her intentions known through a statement released by the Concussion and CTE Foundation on 7 April. She expressed the family’s commitment to increasing understanding of the strong connections between CTE and ALS, highlighting the urgent need for further research. “By sharing Steve’s diagnosis, we want to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS,” she stated, underscoring the alarming prevalence of these conditions amongst former NFL athletes. Misty has opted to donate her husband’s brain for research, with hopes that it will encourage a deeper examination of the relationship between the two ailments.
At the time of his death, McMichael was 67 years old. He had been diagnosed with ALS in 2020, which marked the beginning of a challenging and public struggle with the disease. His case underscores the troubling reality that former professional football players are frequently afflicted by severe neurological conditions at alarming rates. In sharing their journey, the McMichael family aims to shed light on these issues while advocating for research that could potentially save the lives of others in sports.
Dr. Ann McKee, a prominent figure in CTE research and Director of the Boston University CTE Center, confirmed that McMichael suffered from advanced CTE as well as ALS. In her statement, she noted, “There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS; in our CTE brain bank, about 6% of individuals with CTE also have ALS.” This statistic highlights the potential dangers that athletes face due to the nature of their professions, calling into question the long-term health implications of playing contact sports.
Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion and CTE Foundation, praised McMichael for his decision to donate his brain for research. He acknowledged the former athlete for not only his legacy on the field but also for his commitment to the future of sports safety. “His final act was to give a piece of himself back to the sports community so we might have a chance to save ourselves,” he said, emphasising the importance of athlete advocacy in fostering a safer environment for future generations.
McMichael first went public with his ALS diagnosis in 2021, choosing to do so after stepping back from public appearances due to the progression of his illness. Reflecting on that time, he remarked, “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.” His candidness about his health struggles resonated with fans and the wider community, reminding them of the vulnerability that even the strongest athletes can face.
The announcement of McMichael’s passing came via sports anchor Jarrett Payton, who shared the news on social media. Payton conveyed the sorrow and loss felt by all who knew McMichael and celebrated his enduring spirit even in his toughest moments. “With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed… after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones,” he wrote, urging fans to keep McMichael and his family in their thoughts.
During his impressive 15-season NFL career, McMichael played primarily for the Chicago Bears. His tenure at the team from 1981 to 1993 culminated in a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 1985 season, earning him a distinguished place in the annals of football history. It was only in February 2024 that he learned of his selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a recognition of his formidable talent and contributions to the sport.
As the McMichael family navigates the aftermath of this diagnosis, their commitment to highlighting the risks associated with CTE and ALS will likely contribute to growing discussions on athlete safety and brain trauma. Their advocacy may serve as a catalyst for change, fostering a greater understanding of how to protect current and future athletes from similar fates. The legacy of Steve McMichael will continue not only through his accomplishments on the football field but also through the vital conversations his story inspires.