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 the ALS he has fought so valiantly over the past three years,” the spokesperson said. “The Hall of Fame is making plans to honor him at his home. Steve and his family appreciate the fans’ continued support.”
In April, McMichael was admitted to Silver Cross Hospital with a urinary tract infection. In announcing that McMichael had returned home, the family spokesperson offered the following statement:
“We thank everyone for their prayers and concern. Urinary tract infections are a common and serious ailment among ALS patients. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”
McMichael was Discharged also from a previous hospital stay at the end of February. It was then also discovered that she had a urinary tract infection (UTI), in addition to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and pneumonia. He was treated with antibiotics and responded well to the treatment.
The family asked for prayers and support during this time, as Mongo indicated to his family that he wanted to fight the battle.
“The outpouring of love, support and prayers have helped Steve get through this latest battle,” the spokesperson said in a statement in February. “All he wanted was to get home to Misty and Macy, where he feels most comfortable. Thank you all for caring about Steve. Misty and Macy are very happy to have him back home.”
McMichael, 66, has been battling ALS for three years. In August 2023, he was admitted to the ICU unconscious with sepsis and was given two intravenous antibiotics. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia, a spokesperson confirmed at the time.
McMichael was elected to the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class in February. He was part of this year’s Seniors category finalists along with Randy Gradishar and Art Powell.
Each candidate was voted on individually by the selection committee. The Hall of Fame selections were announced at the NFL Honors. McMichael’s wife, Misty, was present in Las Vegas to accept his selection.
The 50-person selection committee selected senior finalists from a pool of 12 seniors, who will remain under consideration for next year’s inductee class. Each Senior finalist needed at least 80% of the approval vote to be included. Mongo got the votes.
Former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers were elected to the Hall of Fame as part of the group of Modern Era players. They helped increase the Bears’ Hall of Fame inductees to 39, leading the league even before the trio were elected to Canton.