Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael will soon be moved to hospice care as his yearslong battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerois (ALS) continues, a source confirmed to the Tribune on Wednesday.
McMichael, 67, went public with his ALS diagnosis four years ago this month and has remained in a vicious fight with the severe nervous system disorder. A recent hospitalization put McMichael in the intensive care unit, and steps are being taken to move him into hospice.
Long beloved by Bears fans and a key piece on the team’s iconic 1985 Super Bowl championship team, McMichael was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer. That was a fitting celebration for an accomplished defensive linemen who played with passion and personified toughness.
McMichael spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Bears and played 191 regular-season games for the franchise, all in a row. He totaled 95 career sacks and was named an All-Pro five times, garnering first-team honors in 1985 and 1987.
While he always left quite an impression with his boisterous personality, McMichael’s teammates respected his work ethic, unselfishness and reliability.
McMichael was part of six division champions with the Bears during a run in the 1980s and early 1990s that was defined by dominant defense.
During last year’s Hall of Fame ceremonies, McMichael was presented with his gold jacket and had his bronze bust unveiled to him at his bedside in Homer Glen with family and former teammates beside him, a group that included his wife, Misty, his daughter, Macy, and fellow Bears Hall of Famers Richard Dent, Mike Singletary and Jimbo Covert.
McMichael’s battle with ALS first robbed him of the use of his legs and arms and later took his speech. He has been bedridden for years but has continued his fight.
This is a developing story. Check back for additional details.
