Steve McMichael, Bears great, diagnosed with CTE after his death
Doctors studied Steve McMichael's brain and discovered a link between ALS and CTE.
Another Chicago Bears great was diagnosed with CTE. Steve McMichael, one of the greats from that 85 Bears defense who died last year, was diagnosed with CTE, according to the Concussion and CTE Foundation. McMichael died last year at 67 due to the complications of ALS, which CTE triggered.
"Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death," his wife, Misty McMichael, said in a statement released by the foundation. "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 in contact sports, combat veterans, and others exposed to repetitive head trauma.
It has been known to cause violent mood swings, impulsive behavior, and depression. Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon is also battling the disease and has been trying to fight it. Dave Duerson, who also played on that 85 team, was also diagnosed with CTE, and he committed suicide.
According to doctors at Harvard University and Boston University, football players are four times more likely to get ALS because of its links to CTE. This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Steve McMichael, Bears great, diagnosed with CTE after his death