Steve "Mongo" McMichael Reveals Battle With ALS
The former Horseman has battled the disease for some time
Steve "Mongo" McMichael, the former NFL star-turned Four Horsemen member, has revealed that he has been battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
The 63-year-old McMichael revealed his condition in interviews with the Chicago Tribune and WGN.
McMichael initially believed he was dealing with neck or spinal issues, but a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota last September suggested that it could be ALS.
In January, doctors at Rush University Medial Center confirmed the ALS diagnosis. A neurologist at the UIC Medical Center said in February that the disease likely began setting in three years prior.
McMichael has lost 50 to 60 pounds due to his condition, and has also lost the use of his arms.
McMichael chose to go public with his condition to let people know why they'll no longer be seeing him in public.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with costs of McMichael's care, including finding a handicap-accessible home. McMichael has also applied for the NFL's "88 Plan", which provides medical and financial care for former players with serious conditions, such as ALS.
Obvious Shirts is selling "Team Mongo" shirts, with all proceeds going to McMichael and his family.
Following his prolific football career (in which he won Super Bowl 20 as part of the Chicago Bears), McMichael made an unlikely journey into professional wrestling.
After a brief stint with WWE as part of Lawrence Taylor's "All Pro" team leading into WrestleMania 11, McMichael signed with WCW, where he provided color commentary on WCW Monday Nitro for the show's first nine months on the air.
McMichael later entered the ring, turning heel and becoming one of the Four Horsemen. In 1997, McMichael briefly reigned as WCW United States champion, after defeating Jeff Jarrett.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
