What Happened to Stephen Douglas McMichael?

Stephen Douglas McMichael, born on October 17, 1957, carved out a significant career in professional sports, first as an NFL defensive tackle and later as a professional wrestler. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980, he found his stride after joining the Chicago Bears in 1981, becoming an integral part of their legendary "46" defense that dominated the league and secured a Super Bowl XX victory in 1986. McMichael played 13 seasons with the Bears, setting a franchise record for 191 consecutive games played and ranking second in team history with 92.5 sacks. His fierce play earned him nicknames like "Mongo" and "Ming the Merciless," and he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First-team All-Pro.

Following his NFL retirement after a final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, McMichael transitioned to professional wrestling. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995, initially as a color commentator before becoming an in-ring competitor. He notably became a member of the iconic Four Horsemen stable alongside Ric Flair, showcasing his larger-than-life personality to a new audience.

In January 2021, McMichael received a devastating diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which he publicly announced in April 2021. The neurodegenerative disease progressively led to the loss of motor control, confining him to a wheelchair and impacting his ability to speak and perform public appearances. Despite his deteriorating health, a significant turning point came in February 2024 when he was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. Due to his condition, the Hall of Fame brought the induction ceremony to his home in Homer Glen, Illinois, on August 3, 2024, where he received his gold jacket and saw his bronze bust unveiled, surrounded by family and former teammates.

McMichael's health continued to decline, and on April 23, 2025, he was moved into hospice care. He passed away later that same day at the age of 67 due to complications from ALS. His passing prompted tributes from across the sports world, acknowledging his tenacious spirit on and off the field.

The most recent development occurred on April 7, 2026, when McMichael's family announced that he had been posthumously diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). His widow, Misty McMichael, stated that Steve had wanted his brain studied after his death to contribute to research into the link between repetitive head impacts and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and CTE. This diagnosis highlights ongoing concerns about the long-term health consequences for athletes in contact sports and underscores the importance of continued research in this area.