Steve McMichael plans to be home when he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
McMichael’s family released a statement saying that while he continues to battle ALS, he is not healthy enough to travel to Canton, Ohio.
“Steve McMichael will not be able to travel to Canton, Ohio, for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to complications from the ALS he fought so valiantly over the past three years,” the family statement said. “The Hall of Fame is planning to present his honor at his home. Steve and his family are grateful for the fans’ continued support.”
McMichael asked family friend Jarrett Payton to appear in Canton as his emcee. This will be Payton’s second time serving as emcee at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, having previously introduced his father, Walter Payton, in 1993.
McMichael was an NFL defensive end for 15 seasons, 13 of them with the Bears. He was a third-round pick of the Patriots in 1980, but was cut after his rookie year and signed as a free agent with the Bears in 1981. In Chicago, he flourished and was a starter on the Bears’ legendary 1985 defense. with the Packers in 1994.
