The voicemail was left with an odd combination of reluctance and concern. Mongo, give a shout when you get a chance. Just wanted to check in. Whispers had been circulating that Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael was coming apart physically and struggling to understand why.

McMichael played 13 seasons with the Bears from 1981 to 1993, and ranks second only to Richard Dent in team history with 92.5 sacks.