Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael was sent to the emergency room Thursday with suspected pneumonia, according to a statement from his publicist.
On Friday, A to update Regarding the 66-year-old's case, it was presented by Jarrett Payton, the son of famous Bears running back Walter Payton. McMichael is improving after being given antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection, according to Payton's social media post. He will undergo a procedure to drain fluid from his lungs, and hospital officials expect him to be released within the next few days.
“Thank you for all the prayers,” Payton added.
McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and was previously hospitalized in 2023 for sepsis and pneumonia.
McMichael's latest trip to the hospital comes just seven days after it was announced that he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the 2024 class, where he is up for enshrinement alongside fellow Bears greats Devin Hester and Julius Peppers.
His nomination became a point of discussion during his previous hospitalization, which came while he was one of 12 semifinalists under consideration by the hall's seniors panel. Misty McMichael, Steve's wife of 23 years, publicly campaigned for her husband to be honored while he was still alive, via Patch:
“I hope he survives next year because I know he will if he gets drafted,” Misty McMichael told Patch earlier this month. “I know he will survive. It's difficult. He's not human. He probably should have been dead already. The doctors gave him six months for a year.
“But he's hanging on and I really hope this gives him the motivation to stick around for another year.”
Days before the Super Bowl, Misty got her wish.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is scheduled to be inducted in Canton, Ohio, on August 3.
A five-time All-Pro at defensive tackle, McMichael was a founding member of the 1985 Bears, a team still considered one of the greatest in NFL history. Not only was Mongo a dominant force up front; which he described Mike Ditka as one of the toughest players he has ever coached.
His personality, which also featured in his career as a professional wrestler, made him a fan favorite in Chicago then and now.
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