Former Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Player of the Year, told GMA co-anchor Michael Strahan that he was diagnosed in 2025.

The disease has progressed so rapidly that Johnson uses a speech-generating device based on recordings of his voice to speak, with his eyes triggering the device.

“I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am,” Johnson said.

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

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ESPN shared further:

Johnson played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Titans (2008-13), New York Jets (2014) and Cardinals (2015-17). He earned the nickname CJ2K after he rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009, which still ranks seventh in NFL history. He broke the NFL’s single-season record for yards from scrimmage that season (2,509) and was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement on Johnson’s diagnosis, noting that the former running back’s “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.” Strunk said the Titans would support Johnson throughout his journey.

The Cardinals said in a social media post that they are “sending strength, love and support” to Johnson The Jets and NFL Players Association also released messages of support for Johnson.

ALS, which is an acronym for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cell communication with muscles throughout the body. The disease leads to muscle weakness and can cause deterioration of the ability to move, speak and breathe.

Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, while adding another 2,255 yards and nine receiving touchdowns in his 10 NFL seasons.

There is currently no known cure for ALS.

Some treatments may slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life for ALS patients.

According to the NIH, most people diagnosed with ALS die from respiratory failure within three to five years of symptoms first appearing.

However, around 10 percent of people with the disorder live 10 years or more.

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ABC News noted:

The Johnsons said they are sharing their story to raise awareness of ALS and the need for ALS research.

An effort to support ALS research in honor of Chris Johnson has been established at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, which Cudkowicz, his doctor, leads.

“I can’t even hold a cup if I try, and that’s despite being diagnosed relatively early and doing everything we can, including participating in multiple experimental treatments,” Chris Johnson said. “That’s why early detection, more research, and better treatments are so important. We have to give people a better chance than what’s available today.”

He said he not only wants to share his story to raise awareness of ALS, but also to let people know that he is still the Chris Johnson they know from his NFL days and beyond.

 

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