NFL legend Steve McMichael is hospitalized again amid ongoing battle with ALS... as his family ask for prayers - just four months before he is due to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame

NFL icon Steve McMichael has been hospitalized once again amid his ongoing battle with ALS - and just four months before he is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

McMichael, who played for the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, went public with his ALS diagnosis three years ago, and has endured more than his fair share of health problems since.

He returned home in February after going into intensive care with a urinary tract infection, and it was reported that he now needs round-the-clock care.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that McMichael, 66, has now been hospitalized again as he continues to fight against the debilitating condition.

In a tweet, Jarrett Payton - son of NFL icon Walter - said: 'Update on Steve McMichael. Please send those prayers up for Mongo.'

 Steve McMichael has been admitted to hospital again amid his ongoing battle with ALS

McMichael was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is set to be inducted on August 3

Alongside the post was a screengrab with more information, which read: 'The McMichael family is asking for prayers, as Steve was hospitalized today.

'He is currently undergoing tests. We will update his fans and the media as more information becomes available. Thank you.' 

In February, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is due to be enshrined in Canton on August 3.

The 66-year-old McMichael was previously hospitalized in February and was in intensive care

The Hall of Fame Game will take place on August 1, with McMichael enshrined two days later

McMichael, who controlled the interior of the line for the Bears´ famed '46 defense,' was an All-Pro during the 1985 Super Bowl championship season and in 1987. 

He played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games from 1981-1993 and ranks second to Hall of Famer Richard Dent on the Bears´ career sacks list with 92 1/2. His final season was with Green Bay in 1994.

Whether he was harassing opponents or discussing the Bears on sports talk radio, the man known as 'Ming The Merciless' and 'Mongo' after the character in 'Blazing Saddles' who knocked out a horse, remained a prominent presence in Chicago long after his playing days ended. 

He also spent five years in professional wrestling in the late 1990s.