(670 The Score) Bears great Steve "Mongo" McMichael is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
McMichael, 63, revealed his condition in a Chicago Tribune longform feature that was published Friday. McMichael was diagnosed in January, and the disease is taking a rapid toll on his health, according to the Tribune.
"Say a prayer," McMichael said in the story. "Say a prayer."
McMichael is down 50-60 pounds and now weighs around 200 pounds, he said. He has lost the ability to raise his arms or grasp objects in his hands and soon will be confined to a wheelchair, which Bears chairman George McCaskey and his family will pay for, according to the story.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help "defray the mounting costs of Steve's daily care and medical needs." Another fear is that the boisterous McMichael could ultimately lose his speech because of this condition.
McMichael was a 15-year NFL veteran defensive lineman who played from 1980-'94, including 13 seasons with the Bears. He was best known as one of the most dominant players -- and personalities -- on the 1985 Bears team that won the Super Bowl.