Bears icon Steve McMichael diagnosed with CTE after 2025 passing

Nearly a year after the death of Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael, the Pro Football Hall of Famer has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, better known as CTE.

McMichael’s diagnosis is now being reported by the Concussion & CTE Foundation. He passed away in April 2025 at the age of 67 after a five-year battle with ALS.

His wife, Misty McMichael, released a statement through the foundation that read, “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.”

Unfortunately, CTE can only be diagnosed after death. It is a degenerative brain disease that’s commonly found in contact sport athletes like football players. CTE is also found in combat veterans and others who have been exposed to repetitive head trauma.

Dr. Ann McKee claimed that McMichael had “severe CTE as well as ALS with TDP-43 inclusions typical for ALS in his brainstem and spinal cord.”

“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 we might have a chance to save ourselves,” co-founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, Dr. Chris Nowinski, said. “I appreciate all the former athletes, including many of Steve’s ’85 Bears teammates, who are raising funds and volunteering to participate in CTE research so we can create a brighter future for athletes everywhere.”

Bears icon Steve McMichael’s death

McMichael died at 67 years old after a long battle with ALS on Apr. 23, 2025. He announced his ALS diagnosis just over four years earlier on Apr. 23, 2021.

He is best known for his time with the Bears from 1981 to 1993. During his time in Chicago, he won one Super Bowl. He was also named to four All-Pro teams (two First-team and two Second-team) and two Pro Bowls.

Additionally, the standout defensive tackle had a career in professional wrestling. He was a color commentator in WCW before joining the Four Horsemen stable. During his in-ring career, he won the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship once.

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