Former Bears great Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael diagnosed with ALS

Brendan Sugrue
·2 min read
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One of the most outgoing, gregarious, and larger-than-life personalities who has ever strapped on a Chicago Bears helmet is now in a fight for his life.

Steve “Mongo” McMichael, one of the key members of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl defense, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts the nervous system. There is no cure for ALS.

The somber news was first reported in detail by Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, about three months ago. The disease effectively shuts down the brain’s ability to communicate with muscles over time. McMichael told Wiederer he’s already lost the ability to move both of his arms, while his legs are getting weaker and weaker by the day. The 63-year old former defensive tackle has lost nearly 60 pounds and the disease isn’t slowing down.

His condition has worsened considerably since he was initially diagnosed in January and needs help from his wife, Misty, to bathe, eat, and everything between.

“This is a humbling thing, brother,” McMichael told Wiederer.

He has one message for those thinking of him and his family: “Say a prayer.”

McMichael played 15 years in the NFL, 13 of which came with the Bears from 1981-1993. He was named First-team All-Pro two times and Second-team All-Pro three times during his career and is listed as one of the 100 Greatest Bears of all time.

After his playing career, McMichael didn’t slow down. He became a professional wrestler in the late ’90s, coached the Chicago Slaughter, an indoor semi-pro football team from 2007 to 2013 and also ran for mayor of Romeoville, IL in 2012.

McMichael was also a regular contributor to ESPN 1000’s Bears coverage, hosting pregame shows from remote locations over the last few years.

A GoFundMe page has been created “by friends to help defray the mounting cost of Steve’s daily care and medical needs.”

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