Chicago Bears' Steve McMichael: CTE Diagnosis & ALS Link

The Tragic Legacy of Steve 'Mongo' McMichael: Unmasking the CTE-ALS Connection

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with players' bodies and uniforms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, conveying the physical and neurological toll of the sport.The tragic diagnosis of CTE and ALS in former NFL player Steve 'Mongo' McMichael underscores the urgent need to address the long-term consequences of head injuries in contact sports.Chicago Today

The recent news about the late NFL legend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael is a stark reminder of the dark side of contact sports. McMichael, a beloved Chicago Bears icon, was posthumously diagnosed with both ALS and CTE, shedding light on a critical issue that demands our attention.

Why it matters

McMichael's diagnosis highlights the growing concern over the link between CTE, a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, and ALS, a debilitating neurological disorder. This connection is not just a theory, but a reality backed by research, and it raises important questions about the long-term effects of playing contact sports, even at the highest levels.

The details

McMichael's brain was donated for research after his death, revealing stage three CTE. This diagnosis is not uncommon among NFL players, with experts attributing it to the countless head impacts these athletes endure during their careers. The CTE-ALS nexus is becoming increasingly clear, with research showing that about 6% of individuals with CTE also have ALS.

  • McMichael was posthumously diagnosed with both ALS and CTE in 2026.

The players

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael

A beloved former Chicago Bears player who was posthumously diagnosed with both ALS and CTE.

Misty McMichael

The wife of Steve McMichael, who bravely shared his diagnosis to raise awareness about the link between ALS and CTE.

Dr. Ann McKee

A researcher whose work has highlighted the strong correlation between CTE and ALS.

Dr. Chris Nowinsky

An expert who emphasizes that CTE is being diagnosed in athletes who played college sports and even those who never played beyond high school, dispelling the myth that only elite athletes are at risk.

Spero Mandakis

A soccer coach who emphasizes the importance of player safety, especially regarding concussions and headers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Concussion and CTE Foundation's efforts to honor McMichael are commendable, but more needs to be done. Advocates are calling for better research, stricter safety protocols, and increased awareness about the long-term consequences of head injuries in sports.

The takeaway

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael's tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers lurking within the very games that bring us joy. As we mourn his loss, we must commit to protecting the health and well-being of current and future athletes by addressing the CTE-ALS connection head-on.