Steve McMichael cause of death: How ALS took down a Chicago Bears warrior and beloved icon

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Steve McMichael, the Chicago Bears legend, is no more. He died at 67 after a fight with ALS. McMichael was key to the Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl win. He played 13 seasons with the team. Post-NFL, he ventured into wrestling and coaching. His courage facing ALS inspired many. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024.

The NFL community is mourning the loss of one of its most formidable and beloved figures—Steve “Mongo” McMichael, who passed away at the age of 67 after a valiant battle with ALS. The former Chicago Bears defensive tackle, known not just for his toughness on the gridiron but also for his larger-than-life presence beyond football, was moved to hospice care shortly before his passing, surrounded by loved ones.

Steve McMichael’s legacy in professional football is one etched in both records and memories. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980, he found his true home with the Chicago Bears, where he played for 13 seasons. A cornerstone of the iconic 1985 Super Bowl XX-winning team, McMichael racked up 92.5 career sacks—the second-most in franchise history—and played in 191 consecutive games, a team record that speaks volumes about his durability and commitment.

Yet, McMichael’s impact transcended his statistics. Teammates and fans alike remember him as the beating heart of the Bears’ defense. “He was a Hall of Fame player… a kind and caring, gentle giant,” wrote former Bears receiver Tom Waddle. Even after ALS stripped him of his ability to speak and move, McMichael’s spirit remained unshaken.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in January 2021, McMichael faced the degenerative disease with the same grit that made him a Bears legend. His wife Misty, who stood by him as a tireless caregiver, once shared, “ALS attacks the organs and has attacked all his organs except his heart.” That heart, strong and defiant, carried McMichael until the very end.

In a moment that encapsulated his fighting spirit, McMichael reportedly tore up a “do not resuscitate” form upon learning he was a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist in 2023. His enshrinement in 2024, though he couldn’t attend in person, was celebrated in an emotional ceremony at his home. “That’s you baby, forever,” Misty said, unveiling his Hall of Fame bust to a room full of his teammates and closest friends.

After his NFL days, McMichael embraced the world of professional wrestling, capturing the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 1997. He also gave back to the sport by coaching the Chicago Slaughter in the Continental Indoor Football League, leading them to a title in 2009.

His passing was confirmed by Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, on social media: “With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones.”

Steve McMichael’s story is one of unwavering strength, from the locker rooms of Soldier Field to the battle against one of the cruelest diseases. He leaves behind a legacy not just of football greatness, but of unbreakable spirit.

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