Steve McMichael plans to be home as he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
McMichael’s family released a statement saying that as he continues to battle ALS, he is not healthy enough to make the trip to Canton, Ohio.
“Steve McMichael will not be able to travel to Canton, Ohio for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to complications from ALS that he has so bravely battled over the past three years,” the family statement said. “The Hall of Fame is making plans to present his honor at his home. Steve and his family thank you for the fans’ continued support.”
McMichael has asked family friend Jarrett Payton to appear in Canton as an emcee. This will be Payton’s second time as a presenter at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, having previously presented his father, Walter Payton, in 1993.
McMichael was an NFL defensive tackle for 15 seasons, 13 of them with the Bears. He was a third-round draft pick of the Patriots in 1980, but was cut after his rookie year and signed as a free agent with the Bears in 1981. In Chicago, he flourished and was a starter on the legendary 1985 Bears defense. He finished his career with the Packers in 1994.
