Green Bay, WI – NFL legend Brett Favre has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Steve McMichael after receiving the sad news of his former teammate’s passing.

McMichael, the former defensive star for the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the age of 67 after being diagnosed with ALS in 2021.

Favre, who played just one season with McMichael in 1994 at the Packers, shared his sorrow on social media upon hearing the news about the cause of his teammate’s passing.

He was deeply saddened to know that McMichael had to endure great pain before his passing. He spoke of McMichael as a great player and a fierce competitor.

He remembered McMichael as a great player and a fierce competitor. “He was not only a great teammate but also a determined opponent, always giving his all on the field,” Favre shared.

Tough news about Steve McMichael — prayers to his friends and family…

He was a great competitor and part of some strong teams including final year with Packers. Seeing what he dealt with, including having Stage 3 CTE, is a reminder of how serious this issue is.

I’m glad… pic.twitter.com/rxk5NWC4pj

— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) April 8, 2026

Through this, he also sent his tribute to McMichael’s wife, Misty, who became a strong advocate for CTE research, a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, affecting many former NFL players.

After her husband’s passing, she decided to donate McMichael’s brain to the Boston University CTE Center for research.

“I am very grateful for the work Misty McMichael has done by donating Steve’s brain for research,” Favre added. “This is a strong step in helping us understand the long-term effects of playing football.”

Misty McMichael shared that many NFL players develop ALS during their lives and are later diagnosed with CTE after death.

She hopes that donating her husband’s brain will promote research into the connection between the two diseases.

“Too many NFL players are suffering the devastating effects of CTE and ALS,” Misty said in a statement. “I donated Steve’s brain to help find answers for those affected by these diseases.”

McMichael was a key figure in the Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory in 1985 and had 13 seasons with the team.

His final season in the NFL was with the Green Bay Packers. Although their time together was short, Favre remembers McMichael as an important player that season.

The fact that McMichael was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE serves as a serious reminder of the issue of head injuries in the NFL. “We are learning more about the effects of head injuries every day,” Favre said. “I hope research like this will help prevent future tragedies.”

McMichael’s diagnosis was officially confirmed by the Boston University CTE Center after his brain was studied following his death.

This has shed light on the seriousness of CTE and its widespread impact.

Favre concluded his message with a tribute to McMichael’s career: “Steve’s impact on the sport and his fight against these diseases will inspire future generations.”

Favre’s condolences are not only a farewell to a teammate but also a reminder of player safety and the long-lasting effects of head injuries in the NFL.

McMichael helped kick-start research into CTE, and his legacy will live on through this research.

As Favre pointed out, the fight for player safety is far from over, and head injury research remains a crucial factor.