Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael posthumously diagnosed with CTE
Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his death from ALS.
The legendary Super Bowl winner passed away aged 67 after a five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known in the UK as motor neurone disease.
His diagnosis was confirmed by the Concussion & CTE Foundation following the donation of his brain for medical research.
“Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death.”
Misty McMichael
“I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”
Misty McMichael
The link between head trauma and ALS
CTE is a degenerative brain condition strongly associated with contact sports, combat veterans and repeated head trauma.
Symptoms can include severe mood swings and depression, but the disease can only be definitively identified posthumously.
A 2021 study by Harvard Medical School indicated that American football professionals are more than four times as likely to develop ALS compared to the general male population.
Dr Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, stated that around six per cent of CTE cases in their brain bank also suffer from the debilitating condition.
“There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS.”
Dr Ann McKee
A formidable legacy on the field
Affectionately known as “Mongo”, the two-time All-Pro was a cornerstone of the famously dominant 1985 Bears defence that secured Super Bowl glory.
The defensive stalwart holds a franchise record of 191 consecutive games played and ranks second in the team’s history with 92.5 career sacks.
Following a final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994, he enjoyed a stint in professional wrestling and was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, praised the late athlete for his selfless final contribution to science.
“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.”
Chris Nowinski