CTE Diagnosed Posthumously in Chicago Bears Legend Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a legendary figure in the world of American football and a key member of the Chicago Bears, was diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his passing in April 2025. He was 67 years old when he died following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Diagnosis of CTE
The announcement of McMichael’s CTE diagnosis was made by researchers from Boston University’s Concussion and CTE Foundation. They revealed that McMichael was found to have stage three out of four stages of CTE.
Impact of CTE and ALS
- McMichael was an essential player in the Chicago Bears’ victorious 1985 Super Bowl team.
- He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
- His diagnosis highlights the troubling link between CTE and ALS in former NFL players.
Misty McMichael, his wife, expressed her hopes that sharing Steve’s condition will raise awareness about the connections between these two serious conditions. “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” she stated.
Medical Insights
Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, provided insights into McMichael’s condition. She noted that he exhibited severe CTE along with ALS. The findings showed TDP-43 inclusions, which are typical for ALS, present in both his brainstem and spinal cord.
Research indicates a significant correlation between repetitive brain trauma and the onset of ALS. In the CTE brain bank at Boston University, approximately 6% of individuals diagnosed with CTE also had ALS.
McMichael’s story serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by professional football players and the importance of continuing research on CTE and ALS.
