NFL great Steve 'Mongo' McMichael dead at 67 after ALS battle

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael has died after battling ALS at the age of 67, the NFL announced.

McMichael's wife, Misty, told FOX 32 Chicago earlier Wednesday that her husband had been admitted into hospice care after being "unresponsive for the last two weeks." The NFL announced his death later in the day on X.

McMichael had been in and out of the hospital last year after developing infections, including MRSA and a UTI.

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Steve McMichael of the Chicago Bears removes his helmet during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 30, 1990. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

He underwent a blood transfusion shortly after being inducted into the Hall of Fame last year. McMichael was elected along with Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis and Randy Gradishar.

Despite getting the nod to Canton, he was unable to travel to the induction ceremony due to complications of the disease.

However, McMichael was shown on the video board dressed in his bronze Hall of Fame jacket from a hospital bed surrounded by loved ones.

"I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in," Kathy McMichael said in a speech she worked on with her brother before he lost the ability to move and speak. "I played 15 years in the NFL and loved every minute of every down. I played with the greatest players and the greatest defense to this day."

Former Chicago Bears players Steve McMichael, center, and Dan Hampton, right, laugh as they greet each other before the ALS Walk for Life at Soldier Field in