Bears Legend Steve McMichael Diagnosed with CTE After 2025 Passing

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Nearly a year after the death of Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael, the Pro Football Hall of Famer has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). McMichael passed away in April 2025 at the age of 67 after a five-year battle with ALS, and his wife has now revealed that his brain was donated to the Concussion & CTE Foundation to help further research into the connection between CTE and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.

Why it matters

McMichael's CTE diagnosis highlights the ongoing issue of head trauma and its long-term effects on contact sport athletes. As more former players are found to have CTE after their deaths, it underscores the need for improved player safety protocols and further research into the links between repetitive head impacts, CTE, and conditions like ALS.

The details

The Concussion & CTE Foundation announced McMichael's CTE diagnosis, with his wife Misty stating that 'Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death.' Doctors confirmed that McMichael had 'severe CTE as well as ALS with TDP-43 inclusions typical for ALS in his brainstem and spinal cord.' The foundation's co-founder Dr. Chris Nowinski praised McMichael's decision to donate his brain, saying it will 'inspire new research into the link between them' and 'create a brighter future for athletes everywhere.'

• Steve McMichael passed away on April 23, 2025 at the age of 67.
• McMichael was diagnosed with ALS over 4 years earlier on April 23, 2021.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Concussion & CTE Foundation plans to use Steve McMichael's donated brain to further research the link between CTE and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, with the goal of improving player safety and treatment options for former athletes.