Chicago Bears legend Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael dies at 67 after ALS battle<\/a><\/p>\n“By sharing Steve’s diagnosis, we want to raise awareness of the clear connection between CTE and ALS,” said Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife of 25 years. “Too many NFL players are developing ALS during life and diagnosed with CTE after death. I donated Steve’s brain to inspire new research into the link between them.”<\/p>\n
“Steve McMichael had severe CTE as well as ALS with TDP-43 inclusions typical for ALS in his brainstem and spinal cord,” said Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center and chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System. “There is strong evidence linking repetitive brain trauma and ALS; in our CTE brain bank, about 6% of individuals with CTE also have ALS.”<\/p>\n
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