Former Chicago Bears star and recent Pro Football Hall of Fame selection Steve McMichael was hospitalized on Wednesday due to a urinary tract infection. He was slated to be released from the hospital on Wednesday night, according to Jarrett Payton, a family friend and son of Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
"His family wanted me to convey their gratitude for all the prayers and support," Payton wrote on X.
McMichael recently spent over a week in the hospital due to an infection.
McMichael, who has been living with ALS since his diagnosis in 2021, can no longer speak and requires around-the-clock care. He was brought to the hospital back in February due to pneumonia fears and underwent a blood transfusion, his family said in a statement in February. He also had MRSA, a bacterial infection.
"He's one tough guy," wife Misty McMichael said at the time, via ABC7 Chicago. "He's Mongo and his DNA is different! Keep those prayers coming! Thank you!"
Earlier this year, several members of the historic '85 Bears team were at McMichael's side when it was announced he would be a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2024 induction class.
Steve McMichael's courageous battle with ALS continues to be an inspiration as he prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. pic.twitter.com/0dIqzeFW43
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 11, 2024
The 66-year-old, who won Super Bowl XX with Chicago, was a five-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler during 13 seasons played for the Bears. McMichael also spent one year with the New England Patriots as a rookie in 1980, and his final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers in 1994. He set a Bears franchise record with 191 straight games played, and ranks second in Chicago history with 92.5 sacks.
