Bears Legend McMichael Honored As Hall Of Fame President Headed To Homer Glen

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Pro Football Hall of Fame president will travel to Steve McMichael's home on Saturday since McMichael is unable to travel to Canton due to his health.

McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, will instead be presented with his gold jacket and bust by HOF President Jim Porter at his home in Homer Glen. McMichael's family and fellow Bears Hall of Famers Richard Dent and Jimbo Covert, as well as other former teammates, will be at the private celebration, ChicagoBears.com reported.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears legend Walter Payton, will be the presenter for McMichael at the enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio on Saturday. Payton is a long-time friend of McMichael, and a sports anchor.

McMichael, a member of the Chicago Bears' legendary defense that led the team to a 1985 Super Bowl championship and that many consider the best of all time, was diagnosed with ALS — more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — in 2021. In the nearly 3 years since, the once-dominant defensive tackle and professional wrestler has lost his ability to move or speak.

"He knows he's getting in the Hall of Fame, and he has the biggest smile on his face," Misty McMichael, who has been married to the Bears legend for nearly 23 years, told Patch when Steve was selected. "He already started his induction speech and has said, 'Hello, Chicago; thank you, Chicago.'"