CHICAGO (WLS) — Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the Chicago Bears legend and NFL Hall of Famer who died last year after a battle with ALS, was diagnosed posthumously with CTE.
Researchers at the Boston University’s Concussion and CTE Foundation announced Tuesday that McMichael had stage three of four for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
McMichael died in April 2025 at age 67. He was a key part of the Bears 1985 Super Bowl winning team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
READ MORE | Chicago Bears legend Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael dies at 67 after ALS battle
“By sharing Steve’s diagnosis, we want to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS,” said Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife of 25 years. “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
“Steve McMichael had severe CTE as well as ALS with TDP-43 inclusions typical for ALS in his brainstem and spinal cord,” said Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center and chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System. “There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS; in our CTE brain bank, about 6% of individuals with CTE also have ALS.”
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
