NFL Hall of Famer & Former WCW Wrestler Steve McMichael Diagnosed With CTE

Per The Associated Press (via NBC News), late NFL Hall of Famer and former WCW wrestler, Steve McMichael, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the Concussion & CTE Foundation said. McMichael played for the Chicago Bears, helping the team win the Super Bowl in 1985.

McMichael passed away last year at 67 years old after he was diagnosed with ALS. His wife, Misty McMichael, later stated the foundation, revealing that her late husband donated his brain for concussion research. She stated, “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”

CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in athletes who play in contact sports, combat veterans, and others exposed to repetitive head trauma. The disease causes violent mood swings, impulsive behavior, and depression. The issue can only be diagnosed after death.

McMichael ended his career as an NFL player in 1994, playing for the Green Bay Packers. He later transitioned into a career in pro wrestling. In 2021, McMichael revealed his ALS diagnosis, which causes loss of muscle control.

After researching the link between ALS and CTE, he pledged his brain to be studied, per Concussion and CTE Foundation co-founder and CEO, Chris Nowinski, who is also a former WWE Superstar.

Nowinski said of McMichael, “Steve McMichael was known for his strength, toughness, and larger-than-life presence, but his final act was to give a piece of himself back to the sports community so that we might have a chance to save ourselves.” He continued, “I appreciate all the former athletes, including many of Steve’s ’85 Bears teammates, who are raising funds and volunteering to participate in CTE research so we can create a brighter future for athletes everywhere.”