Steve McMichael Diagnosed With CTE After Death, Brain Study Reveals
Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael was diagnosed with CTE a year after his death, according to the Concussion and CTE Foundation. The Chicago Bears legend died in 2024 after battling ALS.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael was diagnosed with CTE a year after his death, the Concussion and CTE Foundation announced. The Chicago Bears legend died in 2024 after a lengthy battle with ALS.
McMichael's wife Misty donated his brain for research after his death. She hopes the study will help scientists understand connections between football injuries and brain diseases.
"Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death," Misty McMichael said in a statement. "I donated Steve's brain to inspire new research into the link between them."
CTE is a brain disease caused by repeated head impacts. It can only be diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue. Symptoms include memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty thinking clearly.
McMichael played 15 NFL seasons, mostly with the Chicago Bears. He was part of the Bears' legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team. The NFL inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2024, shortly before his death.
This adds to growing evidence linking football head injuries to serious brain diseases. More NFL players are developing both ALS and CTE, raising concerns about long-term player safety.
Research continues into connections between football head injuries, CTE, and ALS in former NFL players.
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