Chicago Bears The legendary figure Steve McMichael passed away at the age of 67 after a challenging struggle with ALS.
McMichael died on Wednesday night, with loved ones at his side, as reported. Jarrett Payton Who accompanied him during his last moments?
'I deeply regret to announce that Steve McMichael has left us at 5:28 PM following a courageous battle against #ALS, in the company of those he cherished. I am thankful for having been beside him during his last hours. Please remember Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers,' shared Payton, the ex-NFL running back and offspring of Walter Payton, on X.
ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a decline in muscle control.
McMichael is cherished across the city for his crucial part in the 1985 Super Bowl champion squad. He spent 13 seasons with the Bears and set a franchise record by appearing in 191 successive games.
His death came just five hours after it had been reported that he would be entering hospice care.
On Wednesday earlier, several sources reported that McMichael was taken off a ventilator in the intensive care unit and would be moved to a care facility.
"As of today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox advised the family to move Steve to a hospice facility in Joliet this afternoon," according to an statement made by his wife Misty, reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
He hasn’t responded for the past two weeks and has been going back and forth to the hospital. Right now, he's in the ICU at Silver Cross.
In July, McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during an emotionally charged event held beside his bed.
Confined to bed during the later phases of his neurological condition, the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle became the second member enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame out of the seven-member Class of 2024.
Surrounded by many of his Chicago Bears colleagues and his spouse, Misty, at his residence in Homer Glen, Illinois, McMichael sported his gold jacket as they revealed his bronze bust during an emotional ceremony broadcast from Canton.
"You're part of a team that you can never get cut from or leave. Even when you pass away, you'll still be a member of this team," remarked Hall of Famer Richard Dent as he patted McMichael on the head.
'Welcome back, Steve. You've entered football paradise for eternity.'
Misty McMichael dabbed at her eyes as she tilted her husband's head towards the bronze bust.
Referred to as 'Mongo,' and recognized for his loud and bold demeanor, McMichael stood out as the intimidating force behind one of the best defensive units in NFL history.
He turned into the fourth defensive player from the 1985 squad to be inducted into the Hall, following Dent, Mike Singletary, and Dan Hampton.
McMichael, who played his last season in the NFL with the Green Bay team in 1994, earned All-Pro honors in 1985 and 1987.
He appeared in a team record of 191 successive matches for Chicago between 1981 and 1993, and he stands second only to Dent on the Bears' lifetime sack chart with 92 ½.
McMichael’s sister, Kathy, delivered a speech that she had started working on together with her brother prior to him losing his capacity to communicate and move.
"I want to express my gratitude to the Chicago Bears and their supporters; it’s the finest city for playing football," Kathy McMichael stated.
I spent 15 years in the NFL and cherished each moment of every play. I had the privilege of playing alongside the greatest talents and the best defenses ever."
More to follow.
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