Summary

The Concussion & CTE Foundation has revealed that Steve "Mongo" McMichael was diagnosed with CTE after his death. McMichael died in 2025 at 67 after battling ALS.

Misty McMichael released a statement through the foundation explaining that she donated her late husband's brain to support more research into the possible connection between ALS and CTE among former NFL players.

McMichael also had a notable run in WCW, where he spent four years in the wrestling business and worked nearly 160 matches.

Quote from Misty McMichael

"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."

What the Steve McMichael update means

For wrestling fans, this update adds a painful new layer to McMichael's legacy beyond his football career and his years in WCW. It also puts fresh attention on the long-term health issues tied to contact sports, especially with Misty McMichael framing the brain donation as part of a larger push for research into ALS and CTE.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.