Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael will not travel to Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Canton originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Former Bears’ Steve “Mongo” McMichael will not travel to Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony due to complications from ALS, a family spokesperson said in a statement.
“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 spokesperson 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.”
In April, McMichael was admitted to Silver Cross Hospital with a urinary tract infection. In announcing that McMichael has returned home, the family spokesperson issued the following statement:
“We thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. Urinary tract infections are a common and serious condition for ALS patients. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”
McMichael was also released from a previous hospital stay in late February. It was then also discovered that he had a urinary tract infection (UTI), plus Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and pneumonia. He was treated with antibiotics and responded well to treatment.
The family asked for prayers and support at that time, as Mongo told his family he wanted to fight the battle.
“The outpouring of love, support and prayers has helped Steve through this final battle,” the spokesperson said in a statement in February. “All he wanted was to go home to Misty and Macy, where he feels most comfortable. Thank you everyone for caring for Steve. Misty and Macy are so happy he’s back home.’
McMichael, 66, has been battling ALS for three years. In August 2023, he was admitted to the ICU unconscious with sepsis and given two IV antibiotics. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia, a spokesperson confirmed.
McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024 in February. He was one of this year’s finalists in the Senior category, along with Randy Gradishar and Art Powell.
Each candidate was voted on individually by the selection committee. The Hall of Fame selections were announced during the NFL Honors. McMichael’s wife, Misty, was on hand in Las Vegas to accept his selection.
The 50-person selection committee has narrowed the number of Senior finalists to a group of 12 seniors, who will remain eligible for next year’s class of inductees. Each Senior finalist required at least 80% of the approval votes to be admitted. Mongo got the votes.
Former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers were elected to the Hall of Fame as part of the Modern Era player group. They helped increase the Bears’ number of Hall of Famers to 39, which led the league even before the Canton trio was elected.
Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.
