Chicago Bears Icon Steve McMichael Receives Posthumous CTE Diagnosis
Steve McMichael, a legendary figure in the storied history of the Chicago Bears, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his death in April 2025. The diagnosis was confirmed by the Concussion & CTE Foundation, shedding light on the long-term health risks associated with contact sports.
A Dual Battle with ALS and CTE
McMichael, who passed away at the age of 67, had been fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for five years prior to his death. His wife, Misty McMichael, emphasized the troubling pattern observed among American football players. "Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death," she stated in a foundation release. "I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them."
CTE is a degenerative brain condition primarily found in athletes from contact sports, military veterans, and others exposed to repeated head impacts. Symptoms can include severe mood swings, impulsive behaviour, and depression, and it can only be definitively identified post-mortem.
Research Highlights Connection Between Brain Trauma and ALS
A 2021 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and the Boston University CTE Center revealed that NFL players face a risk of developing ALS that is more than four times higher than that of other men. Dr Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, noted that about six per cent of individuals with CTE in their brain bank also suffer from ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dr McKee affirmed, "there is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS."
McMichael's Illustrious Career and Legacy
Affectionately known as "Mongo" and "Ming The Merciless," McMichael was a two-time All-Pro selection and is scheduled for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. He holds a franchise record for playing 191 consecutive games between 1981 and 1993 and ranks second on the Bears’ career sacks list with 92½, trailing only Richard Dent. After concluding his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, McMichael transitioned into professional wrestling.
In 2021, McMichael publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis, a condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive loss of muscle control. He was deeply engaged with research exploring the connection between ALS and CTE and committed to donating his brain for scientific study, according to Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
A Final Act of Generosity for Future Athletes
"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 remarked. He also expressed appreciation for former athletes, including many of McMichael’s 1985 Bears teammates, who are actively fundraising and volunteering for CTE research to promote a safer future for athletes worldwide.
