The Concussion & CTE Foundation has announced that Steve “Mongo” McMichael has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
McMichael was diagnosed in 2021 with ALS and passed away last year at 67.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain condition caused by repeated blows to the head or repeated concussions. Over time, repeated head injuries lead to:
- Abnormal buildup of a protein called tau in the brain
- Damage to brain cells
- Gradual loss of brain function
CTE can only be truly diagnosed after someone passes away.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death,” his wife, Misty McMichael. “I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation said in a statement: “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. 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, a defensive tackle in the NFL, was a crucial part of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl win.
He later went on to a successful wrestling career in WCW as part of the Four Horsemen.
