Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • New York Post

    Wife of Bears great Steve McMichael represents him at Hall of Fame game amid ALS battle

    By Jenna Lemoncelli,

    4 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2uxJSp_0ulml5It00

    The wife of former Bears All-Pro defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael proudly represented him Thursday in Canton, Ohio, ahead of his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement amid his battle with ALS.

    Misty McMichael appeared on the field at Tom Benson Stadium ahead of the Bears’ 21-17 victory against the Texans, waving to spectators in an orange set.

    In addition to McMichael, who played 13 seasons with Chicago and won a Super Bowl, former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday as members of the Class of 2024.

    Misty McMichael representing Steve McMichael. pic.twitter.com/FbFNMXFAaM

    — ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) August 2, 2024
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Xg15y_0ulml5It00
    Misty McMichael is introduced prior to the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on August 1, 2024 in Canton, Ohio. Getty Images

    McMichael’s wife was greeted with applause and cheers from the crowd in Canton as ESPN captured her appearance on the broadcast.

    ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord — and the progression of motor neuron loss including the ability to eat, speak, move and breathe.

    Brett Rypien steals show as Bears nip Texans in NFL Hall of Fame Game

    There is no cure for it yet.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0aFyXD_0ulml5It00
    The 2024 Professional Football hall of Fame induction class (L to R) Dwight Freney, Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Misty McMichael representing her husband Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers and Patrick Willis. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

    During her on-field appearance, Misty raised her arms in the air and clapped a few times.

    She stood with the Hall of Fame induction class — including Dwight Freney, Randy Gradishar, Andre Johnson and Patrick Willis — as they were honored on the field.

    Although McMichael couldn’t attend the festivities in person, the Hall of Fame will bring the ceremony to him.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1xIqnC_0ulml5It00
    Misty McMichael (left) and Steve McMichael (center) in June 2024. Instagram/Misty McMichael
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=087wNd_0ulml5It00
    Bears’ Mike Singletary (50) gets a bear hug from teammate Steve McMichael (76) prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Chicago, Dec. 13, 1992. AP

    Hall of Fame president Jim Porter will travel to McMichael’s Chicago suburb of Homer Glen on Saturday to present the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle with his gold jacket and bust, the Bears said.

    NFL’s polarizing new kickoff rules leave fans divided: ‘This is weird’

    His former Bears teammates and fellow Hall of Famers, Richard Dent and Jimbo Covert, will also make the trip.

    A private celebration will be held at McMichael’s home with his former teammates and members of the Super Bowl XX champion 1985 Bears, the team said.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3odAbp_0ulml5It00
    Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael. Instagram/Misty McMichael

    McMichael announced he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune in April 2021.

    He said at the time he was no longer able to raise his arms or hold anything in his hands.

    “I promise you this epitaph that I’m going to have on me now? This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end,” he said.

    McMichael, who was 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds during his playing days, lost 60-70 pounds, the Tribune reported at the time.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR STARTING LINEUP NEWSLETTER

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3d81bE_0ulml5It00
    Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael holds a Chicago Slaughter jersey during a news conference Feb. 19, 2010, in Chicago. AP
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2h5JHs_0ulml5It00
    Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 enshrinee Steve McMichael is represented by his wife, Misty McMichael during unveiling of a case with his personal memorabilia inside the Hall in Canton on May 24, 2024. Instagram/Misty McMichael

    McMichael, 66, appeared in a franchise-record 191 straight games across the 13 seasons with the Bears.

    He ranks second in team history with 92.5 sacks and helped the Bears win six NFC Central Division titles.

    In May, Misty attended the unveiling of the class banner outside the Hall in Canton.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=00kmFI_0ulml5It00
    Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 enshrinee Steve McMichael is represented by daughter, Macy (left), and wife, Misty McMichael, during unveiling of a case with his personal memorabilia inside the Hall in Canton on May 24, 2024. Julie Vennitti Botos/Canton Repository / USA TODAY NETWORK
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0kdp7q_0ulml5It00
    The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 unveil the class banner at the Hall, Friday, May 24, 2024. Julie Vennitti Botos/Canton Repository / USA TODAY NETWORK

    She also attended the unveiling of a case with McMichael’s memorabilia inside the Hall with daughter Macy.

    The 2024 Hall of Fame game ended with 3:31 remaining in the third quarter after a 30-minute rain delay due to rain and lightning.

    For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local Chicago, IL newsLocal Chicago, IL
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0