Steve McMichael died at 67: Football star loses fight against

The football world mourns the loss of one of its big legends: Steve McMichael died at the age of 67. The former defensive Tackle of Chicago Bears succumbed to his severe ALS disease, like his friend Jarrett Payton (44). “With deep grief I share that Steve McMichael at 5:28 p.m. after a brave fight against as a died, surrounded by his loved ones. I am grateful that I could be with him in his last moments,” Payton wrote.

The death of the football star came just a few hours after his wife Misty announced that McMichael would be moved to a hospice because his health had deteriorated rapidly. In the former NFL professional, the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was (as) diagnosed in 2021, as a result of which it was paralyzed from the shoulders.

McMichael was one of the best defensive tackles in the history of the NFL. With the Chicago Bears, he won the Super Bowl XX in 1986 and was chosen twice in the First Team All-Pro. It was only at the beginning of this year that McMichael was accepted into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame – an honor that praised his outstanding achievements on the field.

The National Football League: “The NFL is shaken by the death of the Super Bowl Champions and Hall of Famers Steve McMichael after a brave fight against ALS. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and his loved ones.”

After his football career, McMichael also made a name for himself in the wrestling world. In the WCW (World Championship Wrestling) he competed against legends like Hulk Hogan and also acquired a loyal fan base there. Wrestling icon Ric Flair, who was close to McMichael,: “The world has just lost the incredible Steve McMichael! He was my best friend through all the years! An amazing athlete and man! I have the most beautiful memories of our work together, and this is an extremely heartbreaking loss for me!”