Chris Johnson reflects on ALS diagnosis and football career

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has shared personal reflections on his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After noticing weakness in his right hand last year, Johnson was diagnosed with the fatal nervous system disease in 2025. The disease has progressed rapidly, leading him to use a computerized speech-generating device to communicate.

In a letter to his children, Johnson addressed the potential link between his professional football career and his diagnosis, noting a study suggesting former NFL players are nearly four times more likely to develop and die from ALS than other men. Despite the diagnosis, he expressed gratitude for his football career and the platform it provided.

Johnson, who played ten seasons for teams including the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals, stated that his primary desire is to spend more time with his loved ones. He is scheduled to be inducted into the Tennessee Titans’ Ring of Honor during the team's upcoming season opener.