On the field, Steve McMichael was a force to be reckoned with. His massive frame, bulging biceps, and tree-trunk legs made him a formidable opponent for any offensive line. But it was his larger-than-life personality that truly set him apart from other players. Across a 15-year career, McMichael anchored the Chicago Bears’ defense, dominated the trenches, and helped the franchise win multiple division titles. However, the news of his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease in April 2021 has left the football world in shock and mourning.
McMichael, who passed away in April at the age of 63, had been suffering from symptoms of ALS for the past few months. The disease, which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leads to the loss of muscle control and eventually, paralysis. It is a devastating diagnosis, and unfortunately, not the first amongst NFL players. McMichael joins a growing list of former players who have been diagnosed with ALS, a disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma.
The news of McMichael’s diagnosis has once again raised concerns about the long-term effects of playing football. As a defensive tackle, McMichael was constantly in the thick of the action, battling it out in the trenches and absorbing countless hits to his head and body. It’s a position that requires immense physical strength and toughness, but it also comes with a high risk of head injuries.
McMichael’s diagnosis is a stark reminder of the dangers of playing football and the need for more research on the long-term effects of head trauma. It is a brutal reality that many former players have had to face, and it’s time for the NFL to take action and prioritize the health and safety of its players.
But amidst the sadness and concern, there is also a sense of admiration for McMichael and the legacy he left behind. He was a beloved figure in the football community, known for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering determination on the field. McMichael’s passion for the game was evident in every play, and he was a true leader for the Chicago Bears.
McMichael’s career in the NFL began in 1980 when he was drafted by the New England Patriots. However, it was with the Chicago Bears that he truly made his mark. He became a key member of the iconic 1985 Bears defense, known as the “Monsters of the Midway,” and helped the team win Super Bowl XX. McMichael was a Pro Bowler in 1986 and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1980s.
Even after retiring from football, McMichael remained a beloved figure in Chicago. He became a color commentator for the Bears’ radio broadcasts and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1992.
But it was not just his on-field achievements that made McMichael a legend. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and infectious energy. He was a fan favorite, and his charisma and humor endeared him to people both on and off the field. He will always be remembered for his colorful personality and his love for the game.
The news of McMichael’s diagnosis has once again sparked the conversation about the long-term effects of playing football and the need for more research on head injuries. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that NFL players make for the love of the game. McMichael’s diagnosis is a tragic loss for the football community, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
In the wake of McMichael’s passing, many former teammates and friends have come forward to share their memories and pay tribute to the legend. Bears’ Chairman George H. McCaskey said, “Steve McMichael was a great player, a member of the ’85 Bears, and a colorful personality. But he was an even better teammate and friend to so many people over the years.”
The NFL and the Chicago Bears have lost a true legend, but Steve McMichael’s impact on the game and the community will always be remembered. As we mourn the loss of another NFL player to ALS, let us also remember the joy and excitement that McMichael brought to the game and honor his memory by continuing to raise awareness about the importance of player safety and well-being. Rest in peace, Steve McMichael. You will be dearly missed.
