Steve McMichael’s Family Reveals His Stage 3 CTE Diagnosis
On Tuesday, the Concussion & CTE Foundation made a significant announcement regarding Steve McMichael, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle. He was diagnosed with stage 3 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). McMichael passed away in April 2025 at the age of 67. His diagnosis highlights the ongoing issues related to CTE and its connection with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Stage 3 CTE Diagnosis and Its Implications
Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife, shared that they aim to raise awareness about the relationship between CTE and ALS. She emphasized, “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death.” To further research, she donated Steve’s brain, hoping it will inspire new findings into the correlation between these conditions.
CTE and ALS Connection
Research has shown a worrying trend. A 2021 study from Harvard Medical School and the Boston University CTE Center found that NFL players are over four times more likely to develop ALS compared to the general male population. This underscores the urgency for more investigations into the long-term effects of playing football.
Changes in NFL Policy
The NFL has made attempts to mitigate the impact of concussions in the sport. Following a national focus on concussion awareness, the league revised several rules to help prevent brain injuries. However, the changes have raised questions about their effectiveness. Many former players diagnosed with CTE had also faced numerous subconcussive blows during games and practices.
The Debate on Modern Football Practices
Concerns persist about whether current NFL rules adequately protect players. John Madden once suggested abandoning the three-point stance to reduce head impacts, yet linemen continue to collide headfirst on every play. This raises questions about whether new players still suffer from CTE at similar rates as those in past decades.
The Future of Football and CTE
Looking forward, the development of a reliable CTE test for living patients could revolutionize the understanding and management of this condition among football players. Key questions arise: Will players continue to play upon learning they have CTE? What changes could be made in the game? Could we see a hybrid of tackle and flag football?
While it seems likely that most players from the pre-2010 era have some level of CTE, uncertainty remains about the effects of recent rule changes on new players. The long-term implications of playing football, especially starting from youth leagues, continue to be a concern.
- CTE Stage: 3
- Age at Death: 67
- ALS Risk: NFL players are 4x more likely compared to the general population.
- Research Institutions: Harvard Medical School, Boston University CTE Center
As the conversation around CTE and player safety continues, the football community must confront these challenges head-on for the future of the game.
