The family of former Chicago Bears player Steve “Mongo” McMichael has provided an update on his health, stating that he is improving. McMichael, who has been battling ALS, was hospitalized for sepsis but has since recovered from that condition. However, he is still fighting pneumonia and will remain in the ICU for a few more days. Despite his health challenges, McMichael’s wife expressed that he is as feisty as ever and appreciates the support and prayers from fans. McMichael, who played for the Bears from 1981 to 1993, is also a candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. ABC7 Chicago reported
The family of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a revered Chicago Bears player, has provided an update on his health, stating that he is showing signs of improvement. McMichael, who is 65 years old, has been courageously battling ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and was admitted to the hospital on Thursday night. Upon admission, he was unconscious and diagnosed with sepsis, leading to his treatment with two IV antibiotics. However, the latest update reveals that the sepsis has been eliminated, although he is still fighting pneumonia.
Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife, mentioned that he will remain in the intensive care unit for a few more days to receive IV antibiotics and address the fluid in his lungs. Despite his health challenges, Misty emphasized Steve’s resilient spirit and urged for continued prayers and support. She shared that on Thursday night, Steve fell into a coma, but after renegotiating his living will, he emerged from the coma on Friday morning.
For over three years, McMichael has valiantly battled ALS, which has left him unable to speak or feed himself. Despite these obstacles, he has recently been named as one of the 12 potential candidates for induction into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. Betsy Shepherd, McMichael’s publicist and long-time friend, expressed admiration for his unwavering resilience, both on and off the football field. Shepherd highlighted that during her visit on Friday afternoon, Steve even managed to smile, emphasizing the significant role that the support of “Team Mongo” plays in his life during this challenging time.
McMichael’s football career spanned from 1981 to 1993, during which he played a crucial role in the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl victory. Fans have shown their unwavering support by gathering at Silver Cross Hospital, a gesture that holds great significance for Misty. In her eyes, the overwhelming support is a testament to divine intervention.
Christine Neitzke-Troike, the mayor of Homer Glen, where McMichael resides, has been instrumental in organizing this show of support. Recognizing the hardships of ALS, Neitzke-Troike emphasized the community’s determination to stand by McMichael and their collective desire to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame senior committee is scheduled to convene at the end of August to select up to three players from the 12 finalists for induction into the Hall of Fame class of 2024. McMichael’s friends, such as Betsy Shephard, expressed hope that he will live to witness this prestigious honor, while also appealing to the Hall of Fame to make the right decision.
The new inductees will be introduced before the Super Bowl, marking a momentous occasion for both the chosen players and their dedicated supporters.
Note: The original text contains a mixture of American and British English..
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