Steve McMichael vs. ALS: How Bears Hall of Fame legend is battling 'Lou Gehrig's Disease'

Steve McMichael competed hard on the field for the Bears, playing defensive tackle at a level worthy of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2024. However, as he gets fitted for a gold jacket in Canton, he has shown even more impressive resolve in his battle with ALS.

McMichael is one of around 30,000 Americans battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the affliction that caused Yankees legend Lou Gehrig to retire from baseball and former Saints special teams ace Steve Gleason to inspire, both with courage and grace.

Here's explaining McMichael's diagnosis and how he's been handling the illness since:

What is ALS?

ALS is officially known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and also referred to as MND (motor neurone disease) or "Lou Gehrig's Disease." Cases of contracting the neurodegenerative disorder are rare and, unfortunately, the chief prognosis is terminal. ALS hampers the ability of the upper and lower body to control muscle contractions.

The physical stiffness, involuntary twitches, and atrophy make it difficult for a person with ALS to do routine daily activities, including talk, eat, and sleep. Whether genetic or sporadic, there's limited chance for long-term survival, and there is no cure for those diagnosed with ALS at any age.

When was Steve McMichael diagnosed with ALS?

McMichael retired from the NFL after the 1994 season before embarking on a versatile career in professional wrestling, both as a commentator and in the ring from 1995-99 ahead of a brief revival to referee an event in 2008.

McMichael announced he was battling ALS several years later on April 23, 2021, at age 63. Later that year, for his initial efforts in fighting the disease, McMichael was given the ALS Courage Award from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. He was the inaugural recipient in a touching ceremony at Soldier Field.

Gleason announced he had ALS in 2011 and has beaten the odds by living with the disease for more than 13 years. Gehrig died only two years after he last played for the Yankees and gave his tearful retirement speech in 1939.

McMichael has been supported well by his wife Misty and other friends and family, including his former Bears teammates, while fighting ALS.

Former Sporting News NFL columnist Dan Pompei, who used to cover the Bears for the Chicago Tribune, wrote the must-read piece on McMichael , his ALS challenges, and his long-time-coming Hall of Fame honor in The Athletic.

Wherever McMichael faces next vs. ALS, he will have the utmost sentiment and support to keep going strong.