Former Chicago Bear Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael reveals he is battling ALS

Former Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael revealed to WGN’s Jarrett Payton this week that he’s been diagnosed with 36-month onset ALS.

[@troylowe814]

The man done more that most of us, hes a superbowl champion and a Four Horseman. Absolute legend.

[@vickrunalza8057]

Is heart wrenching to see the man in such shape.

[@NachoLuchaLibre]

I'm glad he called it by the disease's name Lou Gehrig disease someone who also battled with the same thing 😢

[@LordBeezleDwarf]

I have too much respect for this man now. Realizing and acknowledging weirdly everything happens for a reason shows true intellect imo

[@stevenzack1497]

Mr. McMichael is handling this like a true warrior. God bless him and watch over him.

[@jonmolina948]

Don’t worry. Diamonds 💎 are forever, and so are the Four Horseman. What he said at the end is priceless.

[@5papa]

Well stated Steve. You are a true and honest human being. This country needs more like you. God bless you.

[@jackruby1137]

That is a Chicago Bear! God bless him.

[@sjs1555]

Yeah. God blessed him with this horrible disease.

[@clarewelter2207]

My prayers go out to Steve McMichael and his family. He is a very brave man.

[@sjs1555]

How are prayers going to help this man? If there is a God, he gave him this horrible disease. WTF is wrong with you?

[@dwade6322]

What a POWERFUL interview. Bless Mongo,and all who suffer. ❤️

[@justkeating8399]

Even during his WcW days, Mongo always represented the Chicago Bears HARD! Himself, Dent, Hampton, and the Fridge...best front four ever.

[@joeshields2005]

Nah I would take the gang green from the Eagles . White , Simmons , Brown , Golic

[@mtphill71]

Steel Curtain GOAT

[@mtphill71]

​@@joeshields2005Steel Curtain GOAT

[@jerrycooper6682]

He was part of one of my happiest times. 85 Bears were awesome. Prayers for him.

[@Herofixtv]

Mine also

[@joselara1022]

Raider Fan here .. God Bless him !!! Loved watching him in WCW and on the field. Mongo is a and will be always a Tuff Bad A** DUDE. I’ll keep you in my prayers !!!

[@MEEPEES]

I just lost a brother in law to ALS. I feel so bad for Steve. I pray they find a cure for this horrible disease.

[@adrienneflowersscott9290]

So sorry for your loss 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😔

[@veteranpatriot4474]

Sorry for your Loss as well. May God Grany You and Your Family Peace.

[@veteranpatriot4474]

@@adrienneflowersscott9290 AMEN MY SISTER.

[@psycho4agY]

I’m so very sorry! I lost my granny to it in 1999.

[@invictawarrior]

Just wow, I never knew how wise and courageous Steve has become in the face of his diagnosis. That's poise and character. God bless this man.

[@cimerians]

This is perhaps the best video clip I've seen. Leave this on up on youtube forever. Bless Steve.

[@DianaFlores-pv2ji]

Steve hit the nail on the head, Compassion. I totally agree with him, may GOD Bless You Steve. Keeping you and your family in our prayers 🙏🙏

[@danielseverson9565]

Even as a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. I wish him and his family the best!

[@thehealthychefri]

Who gives a shit if you are a Packer fan!

[@gearjunkie3412]

I'm sure you ment well. But that comment came off horrible.

[@teamclarktrackfield]

@@thehealthychefri Really?......

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti6854]

Didn't Mongo also play for the Packers? 🤔

[@peterrodby2786]

Who cares who you follow! This sport is claiming lives and the NFL does not care!

[@vmjr543]

Dear Lord touch him with your healing hand and out stretched arms of Love and compassion

[@CoachTR]

Amen

[@jeremysimpson3865]

Amen.

[@maynardferguson9599]

Well said Mongo. You're a good man. Bless you my friend.

[@notsosilentbob]

As an avid pro football fan, it's hard to imagine these big, strong athletes being stricken with such terrible diseases. But they are mortal too. Dwight Clark died due to ALS a few years ago. Like him, Steve seems to be handling this with such grace, expressing more concern for others than for himself. I do pray for you.

[@donnyblondy8506]

always remember what Lyle Allzado looked like late in life

[@CoachTR]

I didn't know Clark died. 🙏

[@notsosilentbob]

@@CoachTR Sadly he passed away in 2018 at just 61 years old. Even though I didn't personally know these guys, it's heart-breaking to see your heroes taken so early.

[@CoachTR]

@@notsosilentbob facts

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

They are human to

[@ryanmiller9384]

McMichael has always been a favorite, what a warrior.

[@AndyRich2022]

I remember this guy in WCW and he was an amazing wrestler I feel so sorry for him but as long as you keep going that's the main thing god bless

[@jrbr549]

Wow, this is just sad. I remember how mad he was at the McCaskey family when he was at the end of his career. And to hear him now give them thanks says a lot about this man. He's lived a great life and deserved more perhaps. But he seems grateful for what he was given.

[@btraina85]

Pray for Mongo. He looks like another person

[@michaelpacini1332]

Steve has lived his life to the fullest just like the way he played. He is a great human being . Thoughts and prayers for him . You are loved by many Mongo.

[@karmaisreal261]

That is a man’s man right there. God bless you Mongo, never watched football but I loved you in WCW, especially on commentary going back and forth with The great Bobby Heenan.

[@TheNaturalPatHarris]

Bobby “The Stain” Heenan

[@tydiab8838]

Payton God rest his soul,greatest man in sports, that's why there's a reward named after him. Steve is in my prayers 🙏

[@adrienneflowersscott9290]

Sending prayers to Mongo and to all families who have losses loved ones to this horrible disease. I loss my cousin Carla to this ALS. We love you. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💙💙 🐻 🏈

[@SuperPrince1007]

My heart truly goes out to this great man and one of the best defensive players on that awesome Chicago Bear team.

[@danoberweiser93]

Bear Down, Steve! Thanks for the memories. You guys made us all feel like we were a part of your Championship season, (and family), and all the ups and downs before and after. God Bless you 🙏✝️🙏

[@erichoward1731]

Stay Up Mongo 4 Horseman 4 Life My Prayers Go Out To You Brother.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@joepalooka4720]

Loved watching him play as a kid , I’m crying right now , God bless Steve and his loved ones and all of those affected by this devastating disease

[@briannat1086]

A Bears fan since 1969...this guy one of the VERY BEST Bears in history. LOVE this man! #76 Hall of Famer!

[@jeffyule4709]

God Bless him what a fine man. And bless his family and the Chicago Bears too. Walter's son is fantastic!

[@yourthaiguy]

What a warrior... A pleasure watching you work Steve all those years. God bless and our prayers are out for you...

[@millenniumtowerskelton5143]

Praying for Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Praying for him and his Family. 🙏🏻❤️

[@carlbaumeister3439]

I’m a Packer fan, but I can pray for him, too. Terrible disease.

[@teamclarktrackfield]

@Carl B....I am a life long Bears Fan. The Pack and Da Bears have battled for years, but u my friend just displayed what a true Packer fan is to us Bear fans.....Class 👍🏽

[@jetgold]

Prayers for Mongo one of the nicest tough guys. 🙏

[@Romans15.32]

What a beautiful message Sir. Thank you. I see you will now become a hall of famer. Im happy for you. You seem in acceptance and peace. God be with you.❤

[@Steven-rp8zo]

Life is short and eternity is forever. Peace be with you.

[@dexterbernard2701]

Getting to speak with the son of Sweetness is priceless. When he referred to Jarrett as "My Son..." I got a little chocked up.

[@brianhenderson6137]

never was a bears fan but after watching this i realized just how precious life is and what a short time on this earth is for some of us god bless you michael and many others going thru this

[@Jimbob48863]

It’s sad. He signed a autograph for me at the auto show a few years back. Great man As a little boy I really looked up to him and all the bears.

[@ScoopWinthorpe]

Love you Mongo. My favorite US Champion. ✨

[@ReinEngel]

The passion he exuded while wrestling was an absolute pleasure to watch. He was truly having fun out there, and it showed.

[@suzanne296]

We just never know when 🤔. Have faith. Keep plugging Steve.

[@darrellmfume4505]

what a GREAT football player he was back in his day. I wish McMichael well.

[@Cyko..]

It's crazy how life can take unexpected turns. He was so big and strong on the field, and he was a big tough wrestler in WCW. Now he's dwindled into almost nothing and bedridden. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a cruel illness that causes the motor neurons inside your spinal cord to die. Over time, your muscles degenerate and you become a prisoner in your own body - progressively losing the ability to move, speak, swallow and, eventually, breathe. There is no cure. No one has ever gotten better after a diagnosis of ALS. The battle is almost over. Prayers to him.

[@tedurban9853]

I will pray for you Sir, please get well YOU ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL 💪💪💪💪❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Always Keep a positive attitude Love you for all you've done for everyone 💪💪❤❤🙏🙏

[@tydiab8838]

Compassion conquers everything ❤

[@Larseus]

Very wise man, deep, totally a champion mindset, one of the greats from the 85 roster and Bears legacy! Such a shame on his ALS

[@doubleb5722]

Love you Mongo 💪🏽🙏🤙🏽

[@LucidoMafia]

Mongo you were a great football player and a good wrestler. May God give you strength.

[@drheckle]

My idol for 8 years of my life! God bless you and thank you for sharing your talents and life.

[@Tecumseh4-k2z]

As a strange breed of an existing fan of both Bears and Packers combined; I am truly saddened by this humble man being stricken by this disease. I saw him play and he was a privilege to watch. And now I am cheering him on again. My prayers go out to 'Mongo' and his family. God bless you sir!

[@ChrisConnolly-Mr.C-Dives-In]

I don’t know if words can capture it, maybe watching the old game footage and the cameras panning the crowds can capture it. What Mongo and the rest of that team created was feeling good, feeling excited, positive, energized, full of life. That 85 Superbowl and that era meant a lot to my dad as grown man, and to me as a kid at the time, and meant a lot to so many Bears fans. I wish for comfort and happy memories for McMichael as he faces ALS now.

[@mrmoviemanic1]

Always a champion Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, thank you so much not just for your football career, but your WCW career, always four horseman.

[@eXtremeFX2010]

I just now saw this in comparison with what his current condition is now in other videos... ALS is a cruel cruel disease. Prayers for him and others.

[@kevinronske9894]

Mike was the rock in the middle of the Chicago D.He was fast off the ball and a huge disruption in opposing teams back field.Miss those years of him playing.He gave his all on every down.

[@groves19881]

Wow brother Much Love from OhiO Sending loving healing energy your way🙏🏼🙏🏿💪🏼💪🏿 I suffered from 3 bad knock out head concussions in a 4 month period when I was 13, and have suffered ALOT everyday from it. But what you said I'm starting to finally see as well, Compassion truly helps see the greatness in everyone❤️❤️ Bear Down BEAR FAMILY Much Love from OhiO Namaste 🙏🏼🙏🏿

[@greensombrero3641]

We stand with you! All the best for you.

[@gregwayne6785]

Great football player and hell of a man. God bless.

[@leereeder2293]

Mongo my prayers are with you dear friend loved you as a player and know that you still have a great mind

[@davedutile6317]

Awesome interview. Steve was very articulate and inspirational. Prayers and God bless.

[@jhonjco32]

God bless you and your family, Steve! I WILL be praying for you. You are a true champion!!!

[@denniseverett1904]

Admiring the bravery and amazingly none of this " why me?" Life sure isn't fair. And God Bless you too Jarrett. Your dad is always wirh you and proud of you as can be ❤🙏

[@TribalThief]

All the love to mongo, beast of the bloke, elite mindset

[@chrisc3800]

Watching his short documentary last Sunday on espn I think twice before I complain about ANYTHING …your a brave man McMicheal …god bless you man 🎯💯 I really hope u make it to canton in august I’m rooting for you brother man 💪🏾

[@tomsteinhardt4722]

From a Packers fan, love you brother.

[@NeoNitty]

Prayers for you and your family Mr. McMichael.... not easy seeing you like this, much less any of the greats of yesterday. Prayers for you sir💯💯💯I’m a giants fan but I’m a league fan more so...and we love you all.

[@electric8668]

I hope Mongo pull thru and I think he's Jarrett Payton's Godfather.

[@davidmiles4678]

Loved him in WCW 4 horsemen

[@JO-gr5bp]

God bless you and thank you ! A Fan.

[@tjbbmr]

This just blew me away. I’m sobbing. Blew me away. What a positive guy. Wow…..

[@mikeymclucky]

I live you Mongo! I was fortunate to meet you. You were so nice and talked to all the fans!!

[@RCstrats]

What you said at the end speaks volumes. Good luck my good man!!!

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

Great interview; keeping it real!

[@jacobhearns9724]

We love you Steve. Many many prayers coming your way, sir.

[@jamiemaslar658]

Steve I watched you play when I was young. You were a beast. People know how great you were. Keep up the good fight brother. From a lifelong Steelers fan. 🙏

[@jonbfrom254]

Damn mongo I been fan from your days with bears. Then when become wrestler I got watch every week. Thank you for lifetime great memories. And I wish you best and congratulations on your hof . It's been over due for some years

[@playthingsracing88]

God Bless Steve Packers fans all over are praying for you as well

[@MatthewSullivan-it6qd]

incredible, thank you

[@codypape3746]

One of my dads favorite players 💔

[@DanielLopez-fj9yz]

Steve is one of the best humans to live

[@mudshark28ify]

We Love you Brother Mongo no matter what your health is now you are a warrior and will always will be a warrior. Keep it tight and right mentally but after seeing you speak to Jared your doing that. GO BEARS 🐻!!

[@merrillmilner8717]

That's so sad it's heartbreaking. It sheds an alternate light on the life of a football player. It happened to Jason Becker, too.

[@steveludwig4200]

Best of luck and health. Prayers for your sir......

[@jackransbottom5398]

God bless you and your family Mongo. Always one of my favorite players.

[@almightylordgodjesus2396]

I love you, Steve, and though I am late to the game, I pray for your healing, and congratulations to you for making the Hall of Fame! I love you, Steve!

[@Boobiebeardown]

God bless you brother 🙏🏽

[@BensonSooner]

Great man, just said a prayer per his request

[@ShineDawg]

The Bear community is full of love for these guys

[@ShineDawg]

I'm an outsider looking in and it brings me so much to see so much love. It's a beautiful community

[@nathantibbs4602]

Mongo is a man…. I love when my hero’s are who I thought they were. Never doubted Mongo would be fighting this every step… HOF now and well deserved and should have been in years ago. Prayer works. God bless you

[@ralphmontemalo6378]

That’s a GREAT man right there!!!

[@jbsmooth7996]

Praying brother

[@mjhirish84]

God bless him

[@davidmcmichael8113]

I’m five foot nothing at one hundred and nothing. We share the same last name and when I played ball people would ask if I was related to the Great MONGO. All I would say is I have the blood of a Mc Michael and they carried the last guy I hit off the field. MONGO you have ALLWAYS been my #1 Inspiration to push hard and conquer. God Bless.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Compassion. The world sorely misses it and needs it. He is so right. God bless him.

[@cathycasiello529]

Sending prayers Steve!

[@ericstravelchannel]

I love the way he talks, I just love the way he talks. Very charismatic.