Steve McMichael's Posthumous CTE Diagnosis Highlights ALS Connection

Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a celebrated defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and Pro Football Hall of Famer, was diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a year after his death at age 67 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Concussion & CTE Foundation announced that McMichael was found to have stage three of four for CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma, primarily affecting athletes in contact sports.

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McMichael was a key member of the 1985 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He played 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Bears, earning two All-Pro selections and ranking second in franchise history with 92.5 sacks. After retiring from football, he transitioned to a successful career in professional wrestling. In 2021, he publicly revealed his battle with ALS, a condition that progressively affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss.

Chicago Sun-Times

Misty McMichael, Steve's wife, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the connection between CTE and ALS. She stated, "Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death," highlighting the alarming trend among former players. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, noted that approximately 6% of individuals diagnosed with CTE also exhibit symptoms of ALS. A 2021 study indicated that NFL players are over four times more likely to develop ALS compared to the general male population.

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Misty McMichael donated her husband's brain to facilitate research into the relationship between CTE and ALS. She expressed hope that sharing Steve's diagnosis would inspire new research efforts. Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, remarked, "Steve McMichael was known for his strength, toughness, and larger-than-life presence, but his final act was to give a piece of himself back to the sports community so that we might have a chance to save ourselves."

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While many support the push for increased research into CTE and ALS, some critics argue that the NFL has not done enough to protect players from head injuries. The ongoing prevalence of CTE diagnoses among former players raises questions about the safety protocols in contact sports and the need for more stringent regulations.

CBS News

The Concussion & CTE Foundation plans to conduct further research using Steve McMichael's donated brain tissue to explore the links between CTE and ALS. This research aims to enhance understanding and potentially lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for athletes suffering from the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma.

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Steve McMichael's posthumous diagnosis of CTE serves as a critical reminder of the long-term neurological impacts associated with contact sports. His legacy, both on and off the field, continues to inspire discussions about athlete safety and the urgent need for ongoing research into the effects of head injuries.

USA Today