Former 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson discussed his ALS diagnosis on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday.
Johnson, 39, was the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year after a 2,006-yard campaign with the Tennessee Titans. He set the still-standing NFL record that season with 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
He rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns in 130 career games with the Titans (2008-13), New York Jets (2014) and Arizona Cardinals (2015-17).
Johnson told co-anchor Michael Strahan that he was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2025. There is currently no cure.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” said Johnson, who was using a speech-generating device based on recordings of his voice to speak. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.
“… That’s one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it.”
Johnson said he is taking part in a clinical trial as part of his ALS treatment.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” he said of the diagnosis. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.”
Johnson’s wife, Brittany, said they originally thought his initial symptoms — a weakness in his grip — was related to his football career.
“Maybe … a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS,” she said.
Johnson said the disease has progressed “much faster than I ever imagined.”
“I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body,” he said. “Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she’d make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that.”
Johnson decided to go public to help raise awareness but also to let people know that he is the same person he was when he starred in the NFL as a three-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time 1,000-yard rusher.
“I want people to know that I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am,” he said. “People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside. I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”
The Titans and Jets both released statements on Monday.
“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said. “Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise.
“Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey. We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris.”
The Jets posted a message on X. “Our entire Jets family is with you. … Sending strength and support as you face this challenge.”
ALS is not unfamiliar to the NFL community.
Steve McMichael, who won a Super Bowl championship with the Chicago Bears and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, announced his diagnosis on April 23, 2021. He died from ALS complications exactly four years later at 67.
Steve Gleason played for the New Orleans Saints from 2000-07 and disclosed he had ALS in 2011. Now 49, he remains an advocate for others living with the condition and chronicles his battle on social media.
–Field Level Media
