Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the Chicago Bears great who later had a second career in pro wrestling as a member of the Four Horsemen, has been diagnosed with CTE one year after his death.
Following a courageous battle with ALS, McMichael passed away at 67 years old in April 2025. His brain was posthumously examined, with the Concussion & CTE Foundation announcing today that McMichael has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The disease, which can only officially be diagnosed after death, is believed to be caused by the repeated head trauma that often happens in football.
McMichael’s wife Misty issued a statement saying she hopes this diagnosis helps inspire more research into the connection between football, ALS, and CTE. Studies have shown that NFL players are more likely to develop ALS than the general male population.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” Misty McMichael said. “I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski, who now heads the Concussion & CTE Foundation, applauded McMichael along with everyone who is participating in CTE research to honor his memory.
“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 that we might have a chance to save ourselves,” 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.”
McMichael was a United States Champion for WCW while working for the promotion as a wrestler and commentator in the 1990s. In his football career, he played defensive tackle for one of the greatest teams of all time on the 1985 Bears. During his battle with ALS, McMichael was finally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which was a long-awaited dream of his.
