CHICAGO, IL — Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a towering presence on the gridiron and one of the most beloved players in Chicago Bears history, has been moved into hospice care as he continues his battle with ALS. The 67-year-old Hall of Famer, diagnosed with the disease in 2021, is now in the advanced stages of the illness, and his condition has rapidly declined in recent weeks.
McMichael, who spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Bears, became a household name not only for his relentless defense but for his charisma, toughness, and larger-than-life personality that endeared him to fans across the country.
A Difficult Update from the McMichael Family
On Wednesday, McMichael’s wife, Misty, confirmed the heartbreaking news. Speaking with FOX 32 Chicago, she revealed that doctors at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox had recommended transitioning Steve into hospice care at a facility in Joliet.
“He’s been unresponsive for the last two weeks,” Misty said, her voice heavy with emotion. “He’s been in and out of the hospital, and right now he’s in the ICU at Silver Cross. They’re helping us get him settled into hospice care today.”
Though the circumstances are devastating, Misty shared that she believes Steve can still sense her presence.
“I know he can hear me. He can still respond a little bit. He’s still my man,” she said. “Twenty-four years married, 27 years together. It’s hard to let him go. I don’t ever want to.”
ALS and a Courageous Fight
McMichael’s diagnosis in 2021 brought public attention to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The degenerative neurological disorder affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, progressively robbing patients of the ability to control their muscles. It is a disease without a cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis ranges from two to five years.
Since going public with his diagnosis, McMichael and his family have been open about the physical toll ALS has taken, as well as the emotional burden it has placed on their lives. He has been unable to speak or move independently for some time, and in recent months, complications have led to repeated hospital visits.
But even as his condition worsened, McMichael’s legacy only grew. In a testament to the indomitable spirit he showed both on and off the field, the former Bear was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024—a recognition long overdue, according to his many fans, former teammates, and football analysts.
A Long-Awaited Hall of Fame Honor
McMichael’s enshrinement into the Hall of Fame came as a moment of triumph amid the difficult reality of his ALS battle. He was inducted alongside fellow Bears legends Devin Hester and Julius Peppers, making the class of 2024 a particularly emotional one for Chicago fans.
Though Steve was too ill to travel for the ceremony, the Hall of Fame made a rare and touching exception. Representatives traveled to his home in Homer Glen to present him with his gold jacket, a symbol of football immortality. His wife Misty stood proudly at the Canton ceremony and accepted the honor on his behalf.
“ALS has attacked every organ except his heart,” Misty said during the Hall of Fame tribute. “His heart is perfect. That’s Steve.”
The moment was celebrated by Bears fans and NFL players past and present, many of whom had advocated for McMichael’s induction for years.
The Man Behind the Helmet
Steve McMichael’s career spanned 15 NFL seasons, including 213 consecutive games with the Bears—a franchise record for a defensive player. He was a key figure in the legendary 1985 Bears defense that dominated opponents en route to a Super Bowl XX victory. Known for his durability and intensity, McMichael finished his career with 95 sacks and was twice named a first-team All-Pro.
But beyond the stats and accolades, McMichael stood out for his unforgettable presence in the locker room, his colorful personality in interviews, and his devotion to the city of Chicago.
Nicknamed “Mongo” after the character from Blazing Saddles, McMichael embraced the moniker and became synonymous with toughness and resilience. He also dabbled in professional wrestling and broadcasting following his NFL career, bringing his signature energy to everything he did.
McMichael remained a fixture in Chicago sports culture long after his playing days ended, appearing at team events, fundraisers, and on local sports radio. His connection to the city and its fans has endured, and the outpouring of love and support in the wake of his health struggles has reflected that deep bond.
A City Rallies Around a Legend
Since news broke of McMichael’s move to hospice care, tributes have poured in from across the sports world. Former teammates, rivals, broadcasters, and fans have all taken to social media to share memories, offer prayers, and express their gratitude for everything Mongo has meant to the game and the city of Chicago.
For many, McMichael represents more than just a football player—he embodies a generation of Bears football defined by grit, camaraderie, and unmatched spirit. That spirit, even in the face of terminal illness, continues to inspire those around him.
Looking Ahead
As Steve McMichael enters hospice care, the Bears community is bracing for what may be his final chapter. But his story is far from one of sorrow alone. It is also a story of unyielding passion, of love between a husband and wife, of a family’s perseverance, and of a city’s admiration for one of its fiercest champions.
For now, his family asks for continued prayers and privacy as they focus on spending these precious days together. And for the legions of fans who grew up watching number 76 command the line of scrimmage, the memories remain vivid and unforgettable.
Because in the hearts of Bears fans, Steve “Mongo” McMichael is—and always will be—a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word.