Hall of Fame defensive tackle Steve McMichael, a cornerstone of the 1985 Chicago Bears' Super Bowl-winning defense, has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the Concussion & CTE Foundation announced. McMichael died last year at 67 after a five-year battle with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His wife, Misty McMichael, stated the diagnosis underscores a troubling pattern: 'Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death.'

McMichael's brain donation to Boston University's CTE research program has provided critical data. A 2021 Harvard Medical School and BU CTE Center study found NFL players are over four times more likely to develop ALS than other men. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the BU CTE Center, noted about 6% of individuals with CTE in their brain bank also have ALS, confirming 'strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS.'

McMichael, a two-time All-Pro and 2024 Hall of Famer, ranks second on the Bears' career sacks list. His final act—pledging his brain for research—has inspired teammates and former athletes to fund and volunteer for CTE studies, aiming to 'create a brighter future for athletes everywhere,' as foundation CEO Chris Nowinski emphasized. This revelation adds a tragic dimension to McMichael's legacy, highlighting the long-term risks faced by NFL players long after their careers end.