Chicago Bears helmetSEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 26: Deon Bush #26 of the Chicago Bears puts his helmet on during pregame warm-ups before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 26, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
A week after the election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael was rushed to an emergency room Thursday.

McMichael, who has been battling ALS since 2021, was first taken to the hospital out of suspicion of pneumonia, but the family later said it was something else.

 

He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, put on three antibiotics, and admitted to intensive care.

“Continued prayers are appreciated for Steve’s speedy recovery,” the family said.

His last hospital stay was back in August when he spent nearly a week battling sepsis and pneumonia. McMichael communicates through a special device that follows eye movements. He has made it clear how much the Hall of Fame means to him.


McMichael played 15 years in the NFL, mainly with the Bears, making four All-Pro teams and two Pro Bowls while totaling 847 tackles and 95 sacks.

Now 66, he just found out he was officially announced earlier this month as one of the seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

McMichael will be enshrined in Canton with the rest of his class on Saturday, Aug. 3 as part of Hall of Fame weekend and we can only pray that his health holds on long enough for him to make an appearance and possibly deliver a speech.

The NFL has pledged to pay for the medical expenses required to send Mongo to the ceremony in person.