Whispers had been circulating that Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael was coming apart physically and struggling to understand why. Any validity to fears that McMichael suddenly was face to face with a bleak diagnosis?

Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve McMichael will soon be moved to hospice care as he continues his yearslong battle with ALS.

He was a ferocious part of a dominant defense that swept the 1985 Chicago team to victory in the Super Bowl. After 15 N.F.L. seasons, he became a pro wrestler.