Former Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael is no longer septic but is continuing to fight pneumonia while at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, his wife, Misty, said in a statement Saturday morning.
The 65-year-old will stay in intensive care for the next few days with hopes that intravenous antibiotics can clear the infection, she said. He’s been on an IV since he arrived at the hospital late Thursday night after slipping into unconsciousness while waiting for an ambulance. They hope he’ll soon be able to return to his home in Homer Glen.
“He’s as feisty as ever,” Misty said. “Our Mongo is back! Please keep the prayers coming.”
In April 2021, McMichael took public his fight with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has been bedridden for two years. In recent months, he has been unable to speak.
The McMichaels are hopeful that “Mongo” — who is second in Bears history in sacks and third in tackles — will be chosen to join the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the senior committee votes to whittle down a list of 12 semifinalists to no more than three.
The hope of seeing that day — and, perhaps, enshrinement day next year in Canton, Ohio — led them to lift a “do not resuscitate” order.
More than 50 people rallied in the hospital parking lot Friday to express their support for McMichael and his Hall of Fame push. Misty McMichael told the Sun-Times that she “didn’t realize we had this much support here, but we really do.”
