What's Happening?
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, a former Chicago Bears player and NFL Hall of Famer, has been diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). McMichael, who passed away in April 2025 after battling ALS, was found to have stage three CTE by
researchers at Boston University's Concussion and CTE Foundation. His wife, Misty McMichael, donated his brain for research to highlight the link between CTE and ALS, conditions that have affected numerous NFL players. McMichael was a key player in the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl-winning team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Why It's Important?
The diagnosis of CTE in Steve McMichael underscores the ongoing concerns about the long-term health impacts of playing professional football. CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, has been found in many former NFL players, raising questions about player safety and the need for improved protective measures. The connection between CTE and ALS further complicates the health risks associated with contact sports. This case adds to the growing body of evidence prompting calls for changes in how sports organizations address player health and safety, potentially influencing future policies and practices in the NFL and other sports leagues.
