HOMER GLEN, Ill. (WLS) — Chicago Bears legend and football hall of famer Steve “Mongo” McMichael, who has been battling ALS, has been hospitalized and is being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, his family said Thursday night.
A spokesperson for the family said he was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox with a fever. He was also very lethargic, the spokesperson said.
While the family initially said McMichael was taken to the hospital with suspected pneumonia, they released a statement shortly before 8:30 p.m. saying he had an infection instead.
“Steve is fighting a Urinary Tract Infection,” the family wrote. “He is on three antibiotics and is being admitted to the ICU this evening. Continued prayers are appreciated for Steve’s speedy recovery. Thank you!”
Any illness can be very serious for McMichael as he battles ALS.
McMichael has been awaiting the special Hall of Fame announcement for years. He played 13 seasons with the Bears, making the Pro Bowl in five of them. His wife Misty traveled to Las Vegas for the ceremony, attending on his behalf. His family hopes Mongo will be strong enough to travel to Canton, Ohio later this summer for his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Mongo’s last hospital stay was back in August, when he spent nearly a week battling sepsis and pneumonia.
While the ravages of ALS have robbed him of the ability to move or speak, his wife has been his strongest advocate.
“It means everything to us,” Misty said.
McMichael communicates through a special device that follows eye movements. He has made it clear how much the Hall of Fame means to him.
Mongo waited years until the Hall of Fame seniors committee selected him. He had plenty of support from Bears fans, including many from Homer Glen, where McMichael now lives.
Many people in the Homer Glen community have been making plans to be in Canton, Ohio, in August for the induction ceremony.
The NFL has pledged to pay for medical expenses required to send Mongo to the ceremony in-person.
