Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael is suddenly in a vicious fight against ALS. ‘This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end,’ the Chicago Bears great says.

More than two dozen former NFL players have come forward with their ALS diagnoses, a group that includes Gleason, Dwight Clark, O.J. Brigance, Kevin Turner, Wally Hilgenberg, Orlando Thomas and Tim Shaw. Former Raiders running back Steve Smith, now 56 years old, has been battling the disease since the summer of 2002. His wife, Chie, has now become one of Misty’s most trusted resources and confidantes.