CHICAGO -- Legendary Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, was hospitalized Thursday, according to a statement from his family.
The family initially brought McMichael to the hospital with what they thought was pneumonia, but later said he is being treated for a urinary tract infection and would be admitted to the intensive care unit Thursday night.
McMichael's family released a statement Friday with encouraging news regarding the Hall of Famer's health condition.
According to the family, McMichael is responding to antibiotics administered for a urinary tract infection and is undergoing a procedure known as thoracentesis to remove fluid from his lungs. He is expected to be released from the hospital in the coming days.
"Continued prayers are appreciated for Steve's speedy recovery," the McMichael family said.
McMichael, who was formally announced as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 during last week's NFL Honors awards show, was hospitalized in August with pneumonia and sepsis.
McMichael, 66, played in 207 consecutive games from 1981 to 1994 and spent 13 seasons with Chicago. A five-time All-Pro defensive tackle, he was a key member of the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl XX team and ranks second in franchise history in sacks and third in tackles.
McMichael's wife, Misty, openly campaigned for him to be included in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after he was previously nominated and made it past the first cut of candidates in 2014 and 2015, only to fall short. McMichael was one of 12 senior semifinalists for the 2024 class and informed Jan. 24 by Richard Dent, his former Bears teammate and Hall of Fame member, that he had earned his spot in Canton.
Misty McMichael represented her husband in Las Vegas during last Thursday's announcement alongside fellow former Bears Devin Hester and Julius Peppers, both of whom are part of the 2024 class. The Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is set for Aug. 3 in Canton.