Steve McMichael Hospitalized 1 Week After Hall Of Fame Announcement

HOMER GLEN, IL — A week after Steve "Mongo" McMichael learned he had been selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was admitted to an intensive care unit Thursday evening, his family said.

The family first brought the legendary Chicago Bears defense tackle to the hospital thinking he had pneumonia but later said he was being treated for a urinary tract infection. He is on three antibiotics, according to a statement.

"Continued prayers are appreciated for Steve's speedy recovery," his family said.

A member of the Chicago Bears defense that led the team to a 1985 Super Bowl win, McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2021.

Making it into the Hall of Fame has been exactly what he needed to hang on in his fight with ALS, according to his wife, Misty McMichael, who pushed for his induction.

"Steve has been the most amazing football player and man and deserves this more than anybody that I know," she told Patch on Feb. 8. "He's worked so hard for this his whole life, and I'm just so very proud and happy for him. I've put a lot of work into it myself, and it was all worth it. It's been an honor and a privilege to help him get where he needs to be: enshrined in the Hall of Fame forever."

RELATED: 'Thank You, Chicago': Steve McMichael Makes Football Hall Of Fame