- Steve McMichael is also undergoing a procedure to drain fluid from his lungs
- The former defensive tackle is responding well to antibiotics for his urinary tract infection
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Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael is improving after being hospitalized with a urinary tract infection, sepsis and pneumonia while battling ALS, his family announced.
McMichael, 66, a star defensive tackle on the famed 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl championship team, was taken to the intensive care unit Thursday evening.
McMichael – affectionately called Mongo – is improving after receiving antibiotics to treat the urinary tract infection, according to Jarrett Payton, the son of legendary Chicago running back Walter Payton.
The former tackle’s family also confirmed that McMichael responded well to treatment, while they revealed he is also undergoing a procedure to drain fluid from his lungs.
“Steve is responding to the antibiotics he is receiving to treat his urinary tract infection,” the family wrote in a statement via NBC’s Mike Berman.
Steve McMichael, a Chicago Bears legend, is improving after being hospitalized with a urinary tract infection
McMichael spent 13 of his 15 seasons with the Bears and was an All-Pro in 1985 and 1987
His family released an update on Friday announcing the previous tackle was improving
‘He is also undergoing a procedure known as thoracentesis to remove fluid from his lungs.
“Steve is expected to leave hospital in the coming days. Continued prayers are appreciated.”
His wife, Misty McMichael, had revealed in a Instagram reports that her husband was admitted to hospital on Thursday evening. “Prayers for Mongo,” read a photo of the former No. 76.
McMichael spent 13 of his 15 seasons with the Bears and was an All-Pro in 1985 and 1987.
He played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993 and is second only to Richard Dent on the Bears’ all-time sack list with 92 1/2. His final season was with Green Bay in 1994.
McMichael is one of twelve players whose last appearance was no later than 1998 in the mix that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.
He played in a franchise record 191 consecutive games for the Bears from 1981 to 1993
That list will be whittled down to as many as three by the selection committee, and the finalists will become part of the class of 2024 if they are supported by at least 80% of voters in January.
Whether terrorizing opponents or discussing the Bears on sports radio, McMichael remained a prominent presence in Chicago long after his playing days were over.
He became known as ‘Ming The Merciless’ and ‘Mongo’ after the character in ‘Blazing Saddles’ who knocked out a horse.
McMichael also spent five years in professional wrestling in the late 1990s.