Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael battling ALS rushed back to hospital with infection

McMichael, 65, was hospitalized Thursday night with sepsis

The former defensive lineman has been battling ALS for several years

CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael was rushed back to the hospital Thursday night with a urinary tract infection, his family said.

McMichael, 65, was hospitalized last week with sepsis and pneumonia. He was released from the hospital on Sunday, but was readmitted Thursday night.

McMichael's family said in a statement that he is "fighting hard" and that they are "hopeful for a full recovery."

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2019. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS.

Despite his diagnosis, McMichael has remained positive and has continued to raise awareness about ALS. He has also been an advocate for medical marijuana, which he says has helped him manage his symptoms.

McMichael's hospitalization is a reminder of the challenges that people with ALS face. ALS is a devastating disease that can rob people of their ability to walk, talk, and breathe. There is no cure for ALS, but there are treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

McMichael's family is asking for privacy at this time. They said that they will provide updates on his condition as they become available.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve McMichael and his family during this difficult time.