Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael to Receive Hospice Care
A legendary figure in Chicago Bears history, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, is set to receive hospice care as he battles the advanced stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The 67-year-old Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman has been diagnosed with the debilitating disease since 2021.
According to his wife, Misty McMichael, Steve will be transferred to a Joliet hospice facility on Wednesday, as recommended by Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. "As of today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has recommended to the family to transfer Steve into a Joliet hospice facility this afternoon," she told FOX 32 Chicago. "He’s been unresponsive for the last two weeks and in and out of the hospital. He’s currently in the ICU at Silver Cross."
Misty McMichael also shared her emotional struggles with caring for her husband, stating, "I know he can hear me and he can respond a little bit. He’s still my man. Twenty-four years married, 27 together. It’s hard to let him go. I don’t ever want to." The couple has been together for nearly three decades, and Misty has been a constant source of support throughout Steve’s illness.
Steve McMichael’s illustrious football career spanned 15 years, with 13 of those seasons spent with the Chicago Bears. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, marking a long-overdue honour for one of the most beloved Bears in franchise history. The Hall of Fame ceremony saw Misty attend and accept the jacket on her husband’s behalf, while the Hall of Fame made a special exception to present Steve with his jacket at his home in Homer Glen.
The devastating effects of ALS have taken a significant toll on McMichael’s health, with Misty revealing that "ALS attacks the organs and has attacked all his organs except his heart. His heart is perfect." The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
As McMichael prepares to receive hospice care, the football community and fans alike are rallying around the legendary defensive lineman. During his playing career, McMichael earned nicknames such as "Ming" and "Ming the Merciless," but it was "Mongo" that stuck. He was part of a seven-member Hall of Fame class that included former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers.
The news of McMichael’s transition to hospice care has sent shockwaves through the sports world, with many paying tribute to his remarkable career and resilience in the face of adversity. As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, McMichael’s family is preparing for the next stage of his journey, with Misty by his side throughout.
For those who may be unfamiliar, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. Those who wish to learn more about the disease or offer support to the ALS community can visit the ALS Association website.
Original reporting by FOX 32 Chicago provided valuable insights into McMichael’s condition and his journey with ALS. As the situation continues to unfold, our thoughts remain with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, his family, and the football community during this difficult time.
