Steve McMichael, the Hall of Fame defensive tackle and cornerstone of the 1985 Chicago Bears, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the Concussion & CTE Foundation announced. The diagnosis comes a year after the death of the man known to fans as “Mongo,” who passed away at age 67 following a five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The revelation that Bears icon Steve McMichael was diagnosed with CTE post-mortem underscores a growing and troubling intersection between repetitive head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. For McMichael, the tragedy was twofold: he spent his final years fighting the muscle-wasting effects of ALS, only for researchers to discover the presence of CTE—a disease that can currently only be identified after death.
The diagnosis was made possible because McMichael, who became aware of the potential links between football and brain decay during his illness, pledged his brain to science. His wife, Misty McMichael, stated that the decision to donate his brain was intended to inspire new research into the connection between the two devastating conditions.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” Misty McMichael said in a statement released by the foundation. “I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
The Intersection of ALS and Repetitive Head Trauma
While CTE is widely known for causing mood swings, depression, and impulsive behavior in former contact-sport athletes and combat veterans, its relationship with ALS—commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—is a focal point of emerging medical research. ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a progressive loss of muscle control.
The statistical correlation between professional football and ALS is stark. A 2021 study conducted by Boston University’s CTE Center and Harvard Medical School found that NFL players are more than four times more likely to develop ALS than the general male population.
Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, noted that approximately 6% of individuals in their brain bank who have CTE likewise exhibit ALS. According to McKee, there is “strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS,” suggesting that the physical toll of the game may predispose athletes to multiple forms of neurological decline.
Comparing the Two Conditions
| Condition | Diagnosis Timeline | Primary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ALS | Diagnosed in 2021 (during life) | Loss of muscle control; nerve cell degeneration |
| CTE | Diagnosed post-mortem (2025) | Cognitive decline; mood and behavioral changes |
A Legacy of Dominance and Durability
For those who followed the NFL in the 1980s, Steve McMichael was the embodiment of the “Monsters of the Midway.” A two-time All-Pro and a 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, McMichael was a relentless force on the defensive line. His nickname, “Ming The Merciless,” reflected a playing style that was as aggressive as it was effective.
His durability was legendary. Between 1981 and 1993, McMichael played in 191 consecutive games, a franchise record for the Chicago Bears. He finished his tenure in Chicago as the second-highest sack leader in team history with 92.5, trailing only Richard Dent. After a final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, McMichael transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, continuing his public persona as a larger-than-life figure.
However, the physical toll of that durability is now being quantified in a laboratory. The very collisions that defined his professional success are now viewed as the likely catalysts for the brain pathology discovered after his death.
The Path Toward Prevention
The Concussion & CTE Foundation views McMichael’s contribution as a vital step toward saving future generations of athletes. Chris Nowinski, the foundation’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized that McMichael’s willingness to donate his brain served as a “final act” of generosity toward the sports community.
“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.
Nowinski also highlighted the growing involvement of McMichael’s former teammates from the 1985 championship squad, many of whom are now raising funds and volunteering for research. The goal is to move beyond post-mortem diagnoses and develop biomarkers or imaging techniques that can detect CTE and ALS risks while a player is still alive.
The broader implications of the Bears icon Steve McMichael diagnosed with CTE finding continue to ripple through the NFL community, fueling calls for better head-impact monitoring and more comprehensive long-term healthcare for retired players.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For details on ALS or CTE, please consult a healthcare professional or visit the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
The research into McMichael’s brain will now be integrated into the larger data sets at the Boston University CTE Center, contributing to the ongoing effort to map the progression of these diseases. The foundation expects to continue releasing findings as part of their broader study on the link between repetitive head trauma and motor neuron disease.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the impact of these findings and the legacy of Steve McMichael in the comments below.
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