Bears Legend Steve McMichael Diagnosed with CTE After Death

Doctors found link between ALS and CTE in former defensive tackle's brain

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:19pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph showing the ghostly, glowing internal structures of a human brain with dark, damaged regions, conceptually illustrating the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.The devastating impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on the brain is revealed through advanced medical imaging, underscoring the urgent need for further research into the links between head injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.Chicago Today

Steve McMichael, a legendary defensive tackle for the 1985 Chicago Bears, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death last year at age 67. McMichael had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which doctors believe was triggered by his CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma.

Why it matters

McMichael's diagnosis highlights the growing concerns around the long-term neurological effects of playing contact sports like football. His case adds to the mounting evidence of a connection between CTE and ALS, two devastating conditions that have impacted many former NFL players.

The details

After McMichael's death, his brain was donated and studied by the Concussion and CTE Foundation. They found that the former Bears star had developed CTE, a disease caused by repeated blows to the head that can lead to mood swings, impulsivity, and depression. Doctors have also found that football players are four times more likely to develop ALS, likely due to the link between the two conditions.

  • Steve McMichael died in 2025 at the age of 67.
  • His brain was donated and studied after his death.

The players

Steve McMichael

A legendary defensive tackle who played for the 1985 Chicago Bears, known for his dominant play on one of the best defenses in NFL history.

Misty McMichael

The wife of Steve McMichael, who donated his brain to inspire new research into the link between CTE and ALS.

Jim McMahon

A former Bears quarterback who is also battling CTE.

Dave Duerson

A former Bears player who was also diagnosed with CTE and died by suicide.

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What they’re saying

“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve's brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”

— Misty McMichael, Wife of Steve McMichael

What’s next

Researchers at Harvard University and Boston University plan to continue studying the connection between CTE and ALS in former football players, in hopes of developing better prevention and treatment methods.

The takeaway

Steve McMichael's tragic story underscores the urgent need for more research and awareness around the long-term neurological consequences of playing contact sports like football. His diagnosis adds to the growing body of evidence linking CTE to devastating conditions like ALS, highlighting the importance of player safety and better understanding the risks associated with repeated head trauma.