A spokesperson for the family of Chicago Bears legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael confirmed he will move into hospice care in Joliet.
McMichael was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, in 2021. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer from his home in southwest suburban Homer Glen where he lives with his wife Misty.
McMichael signed to the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1981, and helped lead the team to their only Super Bowl victory in 1968 against the New England Patriots.
He made the NFL Pro Bowl twice, in 1986 and 1987. He played for the Bears for 13 years before going to Green Bay to finish his football career.
McMichael has struggled with infections and had been admitted to intensive care units more frequently in recent years as his disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has progressed.
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Sara Tenenbaum is the Senior Digital Producer for CBS News Chicago covering breaking, local and community news in Chicago. She previously worked as a digital producer and senior digital producer for ABC7 Chicago.
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