Lombardi Trophy (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Super Bowl Champion & Fan Favorite Diagnosed With CTE One Year After His Death

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 5:52 PM ET

NFL legend Steve McMichael has been diagnosed with CTE, according to the Concussion & CTE Foundation. Basically, doctors confirmed it a year after he passed away at 67.

McMichael was a crucial part of the Chicago Bears’ defense that won Super Bowl XX. He died on April 23 last year after battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for five years.

His wife, Misty McMichael, said the family chose to donate his brain for research. “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” she said in a statement. “I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”

Doctors can only confirm CTE after a person dies. The disease is linked to repeated hits to the head. It can cause mood changes, poor decision-making, and depression.

Growing Concern Over CTE And ALS Link

Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael (Photo By Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)

Researchers are still studying a possible link between CTE and ALS. A 2021 study from Harvard Medical School and the Boston University CTE Center found that NFL players are more than four times as likely to develop ALS compared to other men.

Dr. Ann McKee, who leads the Boston University CTE Center, said about 6 percent of people in their brain bank with CTE also had ALS. “There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS,” she said.

The Concussion & CTE Foundation announced that Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Pro Football Hall of Famer and #ChicagoBears legend, was diagnosed posthumously with stage 3 (of 4) chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by researchers at the Boston University CTE Center. A 1997 Boston…
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) April 7, 2026

McMichael had a long and successful career. He earned two All-Pro honors and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. Fans and teammates gave him nicknames, “Mongo” and “Ming The Merciless.” He played 191 straight games for the Bears from 1981 to 1993, a team record. Moreover, he finished with 92.5 sacks, second only to Richard Dent in franchise history.

After football, McMichael moved into professional wrestling. In 2021, he shared that he had ALS. He followed research on CTE and ALS closely and supported the effort to learn more.

Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, praised that decision. He said McMichael gave back to the sports world in his final act. He also thanked former players who continue to support research efforts.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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