VIDEO | Former Titans Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at Age 40
Former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Johnson, 40, shared his diagnosis during an emotional interview with Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan that aired Monday, revealing he was officially diagnosed last year after noticing unexpected weakness in his right hand.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson told Strahan. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.”
The diagnosis came as a complete shock to Johnson, who said he was feeling healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle before symptoms first appeared.
“I was working out every day, spending time with my wife and our four children, and everything felt normal,” Johnson said. “I first noticed weakness in my right hand. At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been.”
His wife, Brittany Johnson, initially believed the symptoms could have been related to the wear and tear of Johnson’s NFL career, suspecting a pinched nerve or another football-related injury. Instead, further medical testing led to the devastating ALS diagnosis.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. While there is currently no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease. According to the ALS Association, the majority of diagnosed cases are classified as sporadic, meaning they occur without a known family history.
Johnson enjoyed one of the most electrifying careers of any running back during his time with the Tennessee Titans. Selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers.
In 2009, Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards, becoming just the sixth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a single season. That same year, he set the NFL record for yards from scrimmage with 2,509, a mark that still stands today.
Nicknamed “CJ2K,” Johnson earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named a First-Team All-Pro during his remarkable 2009 campaign. Over 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals, he rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns while adding 307 receptions for 2,255 receiving yards.
Now facing the toughest challenge of his life, Johnson said he hopes sharing his story will help raise awareness about ALS and inspire others battling the disease.
His announcement has already prompted an outpouring of support from former teammates, NFL fans, and members of the football community, many praising Johnson’s courage and determination as he begins this new fight away from the football field.
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