Steve McMichael, late Bears great and Hall of Famer, had CTE, researchers find

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City Newsletter3-Round Mock DraftConsensus RankingsNFL Draft OrderFree Agency TrackerSteve McMichael, late Bears great and Hall of Famer, had CTE, researchers findSteve McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. Jonathan Daniel / Getty images Share full articleChicago Bears great Steve McMichael, who died in 2025 at 67 after a five-year battle with ALS, suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the Concussion and CTE Foundation announced on Tuesday. CTE has to be diagnosed posthumously, and the foundation announced that researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center found that he was at stage 3 (of 4) of the condition. “By sharing Steve’s diagnosis, we want to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS,” Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife of 25 years, said in a statement released by the foundation. “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.” McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 after a career that included being a part of the legendary 1985 Bears defense that won Super Bowl XX. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms