When was Steve McMichael diagnosed with ALS? Health struggles explored as tributes pour in for late Chicago Bears player

After a four-year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the former NFL pro and coach, Steve McMichael, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Former American football player and WGN News sports anchor Jarrett Payton confirmed the news of his death. Walter Payton’s son, who McMichael coached at CIFL’s Chicago Slaughter, wrote on X:

“With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. 🙏🏽 #Bears”

Steve McMichael, who spent most of his career with the Chicago Bears, announced his ALS diagnosis on April 23, 2021. According to WGN News, the Super Bowl champion was initially diagnosed in January of that year, and a second opinion at Rush Hospital confirmed the same. McMichael shared the news during a conversation with Jarrett Payton.

“I’m not going to be out in the public anymore…you’re not going to see me out doing appearances, hell, I can’t even sign my name anymore, and everybody’s going to be speculating ‘Where’s McMichael, what’s wrong with him?’ I’m here to tell everyone I’ve been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, so I’m not going to be a public figure anymore.”

WGN News reported at the time that the former Bears star was using a customized wheelchair (provided by the Bears) and had “lost the use of his arms and hands.” Four years after announcing his health struggles, the ex-NFL pro passed away in Joliet, Illinois, due to complications from ALS.

Tributes pour in after Steve McMichael passes away at 67 after being transferred to hospice care

The Houston-born American football player and coach was 67 when he died surrounded by his loved ones. McMichael’s health had worsened during the past two weeks, Fox 32 Chicago reported. His wife, Misty, told the channel:

“As of today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has recommended to the family to transfer Steve into a Joliet hospice facility this afternoon. He’s been unresponsive for last two weeks and in and out of the hospital. He’s currently in the ICU at Silver Cross.”

Chicago Bears chairman, George H. McCaskey, said in a statement:

“It's a cruel irony that the Bears' Ironman succumbed to this dreaded disease. Yet Steve showed us throughout his struggle that his real strength was internal, and he demonstrated on a daily basis his class, his dignity and his humanity.”

McCaskey added:

“He is at peace now. We offer our condolences to Misty, Macy, the rest of Steve's family, his teammates, and countless friends and fans of a great Bear.”

The Bears’ official X handle (@ChicagoBears) also dedicated a video montage to the star defensive tackle and wrote:

“A one-of-a-kind personality and Hall of Fame player. Mongo will never be forgotten.”

Many Bears fans paid their final respects to Steve McMichael.

“Great player and better man!,” a user wrote.

“RIP Mongo. You will be missed!,” another user shared.

“I once ran into him at a golf event raising money for 1st responders. Both hands were wrapped in duck tape. I asked him what happened? He said the new neighbor had pit bulls…he reached over the fence to pet them!!!😬🤣🤣🤣MONGO! You were the MAN!,” someone shared an anecdote of meeting Steve McMichael.

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“He was [one] of the best. On and off the field,” another one added.

McMichael, who was briefly a WCW wrestler, is survived by his wife of 24 years, Misty, and daughter, Macy.

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