Steve McMichael's family gives promising update on his hospitalization

The family of Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael said Sunday that his condition is improving after contracting a staph infection at a suburban Chicago hospital.

According to Andrew Seligman of The Associated Press, the family hopes to have him home Tuesday.

“He’s one tough guy,” said Misty McMichael, Steve McMichael’s wife. “He’s Mongo and his DNA is different! Keep those prayers coming! Thank you!”

McMichael, who is suffering from ALS, was hospitalized Thursday for what doctors initially believed was pneumonia. The diagnosis then changed to a urinary tract infection. That infection responded to antibiotics and the McMichael family said, via a statement, that they anticipated him being able to return home within the next several days.

Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears legendary running back Walter Payton, released a statement from the family Saturday.

“Steve is currently getting a blood transfusion and has MRSA,” the statement said. “We are asking for your prayers to get Steve through this difficult time. Steve, his family and close friends believe in the power of prayer. Thank you.”

Steve McMichael going into Pro Football Hall of Fame

McMichael, known to NFL fans as “Mongo,” spent 15 years in the NFL, 13 coming with the Bears. In 213 games, he tallied 847 tackles, 95.0 sacks, 13 forced fumbles and two interceptions. McMichael was one of the stars of the 1985 Bears, which owned one of the league’s best defenses of all-time. Chicago finished 18-1 including playoffs that season, capping it off with a dominant 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 at the NFL Honors event ahead of this year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. His wife represented him at the event.

“We got a call from Richard Dent with his gold jacket on, and as soon as I saw him on the screen, I knew what was going on,” Misty McMichael said last Thursday after the Hall of Fame class was announced, via NBC Sports Chicago. “He was happy to introduce his Bear Brother into the brotherhood of the Hall of Fame. So that was awesome.

“It’s been a wonderful, bumpy ride, but it’s been an awesome ride. It’s been amazing.”