Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Discloses His ALS Diagnosis

Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Discloses His ALS Diagnosis. Selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Chris Johnson quickly established himself as one of the most explosive and electrifying running backs in football history. He achieved legendary status during his historic 2009 season, when he rushed for 2,006 yards and broke the NFL record for total yards from scrimmage with 2,509—a phenomenal feat that earned him the nickname “CJ2K” and the AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Courageously Discloses ALS Diagnosis

In a deeply moving and courageous announcement, former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed that he is battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The 40-year-old former Tennessee Titans star made his diagnosis public during a heartfelt interview with Michael Strahan on ABC’s Good Morning America. Despite the physical toll the aggressive neurodegenerative disease has already taken, Johnson delivered a resilient message to the world:

“First, I want people to know I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am.”

The Shock of a Sudden Diagnosis

Johnson, who built a legendary 10-year NFL career on world-class speed and elite athleticism, first noticed mild symptoms when he experienced unexpected weakness and an unusual grip in his right hand.

Following extensive testing, doctors officially diagnosed him with sporadic ALS—the form of the disease that occurs without any known family history and accounts for the vast majority of cases. His wife, Brittany Johnson, admitted she initially believed his symptoms were simply the lingering aftermath of a punishing professional football career, such as a pinched nerve.

The progression of the illness has been devastatingly swift. Within roughly a year, Johnson has lost his ability to speak conventionally and can no longer perform simple tasks like holding a cup or lifting his 7-year-old daughter. To communicate, he now relies on an advanced speech-generating device that uses a recording of his own voice made shortly after his diagnosis, which he triggers using his eye movements.

Choosing to Fight and Raising Awareness

Upon his initial diagnosis, doctors bluntly advised Johnson to “get his affairs in order.” Instead of giving up, Johnson found hope after watching a medical segment on television and immediately sought out experimental treatments. He has since been under the care of Dr. Merit Cudkowicz at the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, participating in a clinical trial using therapies designed to target inflammation and slow disease progression.

By sharing his story, Johnson hopes to bring much-needed attention and critical funding to ALS research.

A Historic Legacy

Selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Johnson became one of the most electrifying players in football history. He is famously remembered for his historic 2009 season, where he rushed for 2,006 yards and set a then-NFL record with 2,509 total yards from scrimmage, earning him the nickname “CJ2K” and the AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. Over his decade-long career, he also played for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, compiling 9,651 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns.

Following his announcement, Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement offering unwavering support, noting that Johnson has written himself into the franchise’s story for the long term. Johnson also received words of encouragement from his former Titans teammate Tim Shaw, who has been battling ALS himself since 2014.

“If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope,” Johnson shared, “it’s worth it.”