Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Announces ALS Diagnosis

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, a three‑time Pro Bowler and 2009 Offensive Player of the Year, revealed that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at age 39. The announcement was made during a Good Morning America interview on June 29, where Johnson communicated through an eye‑controlled speech‑generating device. He said doctors classified his condition as sporadic ALS – the most common form with no family history – and described the disease’s rapid progression, noting, “I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body.” Johnson, who retired in 2017 after a ten‑year NFL career, emphasized that the illness has not changed who he is, adding, “I’m still me.” He and his wife Brittany are pursuing experimental treatments and participating in clinical trials, hoping to extend his life and advance research. Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk and other NFL organizations issued statements of support, and Johnson expressed a desire to raise awareness so that others might be diagnosed sooner and inspired to fund research.

Johnson’s career highlights include a 2,006‑yard rushing season in 2009, three consecutive 1,000‑yard seasons, and 9,651 career rushing yards. He used the platform of his diagnosis to call for increased research and better support for ALS patients.