Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael has died at the age of 67 following a heartbreaking battle with ALS. 

McMichael passed away Wednesday evening surrounded by loved ones, according to Jarrett Payton, who was with him in his final moments. 

‘It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Steve McMichael at 5:28 PM after a courageous battle with #ALS, surrounded by his loved ones. I am thankful to have been by his side in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers,’ Payton, the former NFL running back and son of Walter Payton, shared on X.

ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. 

Throughout the city, McMichael is revered for his significant contribution to the 1985 Super Bowl-winning team. He dedicated 13 seasons to the Bears and set a club record with 191 consecutive games played.

His death came just five hours after it had been reported that McMichael would be entering hospice care. 

Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael has died at the age of 67 following a battle with ALS 

Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that the Super Bowl winner was in hospice care  

Earlier on Wednesday, multiple reports said that McMichael was being removed from a ventilator in ICU and being transferred into a care facility.

‘Today, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has advised the family to move Steve to a Joliet hospice facility this afternoon,’ his wife Misty disclosed, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.

‘He’s been unresponsive for last two weeks and in and out of the hospital. He’s currently in the ICU at Silver Cross.’

Last August, McMichael entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in emotional scenes as a ceremony was held by his bedside.

Bedridden in the advanced stages of the neurological disease, the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle was the second player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame among seven members of the Class of 2024.

Surrounded by several of his Chicago Bears teammates and his wife, Misty, at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois , McMichael wore his gold jacket, and his bronze bust was unveiled live in a touching tribute.

‘You are on a team that you can never be cut from and never be released from. When you die, you´ll always be on this team,’ Hall of Famer Richard Dent said, patting McMichael on the head.

‘Welcome home, Steve. You’re in football heaven forever.’

The Hall of Famer bravely went public with his ALS diagnosis four years ago, in 2021

Misty McMichael wiped tears as she turned her husband´s head toward the bronze bust.

Nicknamed ‘Mongo’ and known for his brash and boisterous personality, McMichael was the most feared player on one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.

He became the fourth defensive player from the 1985 team to enter the Hall, joining Dent, Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton.

McMichael´s sister, Kathy, read a speech that she began working on with her brother before he lost his ability to move and speak.

‘I want to thank the Chicago Bears and the fans, the best city to play football in,’ Kathy McMichael said.

‘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.’

More to follow.