Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, once one of the league's fastest players, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 40. Johnson, who played for the Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets, shared his diagnosis on "Good Morning America," detailing the progressive neurological disease that has already impacted his ability to speak.
Johnson was diagnosed last year and now uses an eye-gaze activated machine to communicate. He described the initial symptoms as weakness in his right hand and a loss of grip strength. His wife, Brittany, initially believed it to be a football-related injury before extensive testing confirmed the ALS diagnosis.
"First, I want people to know that I'm still me," Johnson said during the interview. "ALS has changed what my body can do but it hasn't changed who I am."
He explained that upon receiving the diagnosis, he was told about medication that might extend life by a few months and advised to "get our affairs in order." However, after seeing a segment on "Good Morning America" featuring Dr. Merit Cudkowicz and actor Eric Dane, they reached out for experimental treatments.
Johnson has no family history of the disease, and doctors believe his case to be sporadic ALS, which occurs randomly and is the most common form. "It can happen to someone who never expected it," he stated. Faced with the diagnosis, Johnson said he chose to fight rather than give up.
Doctors recorded Johnson's voice after his diagnosis so that his synthesized speech would sound like his own. He played 10 seasons in the NFL, retiring in 2017 after playing for the Arizona Cardinals. He is most remembered for his six seasons with the Titans, where he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year, before a stint with the Jets.
Following the announcement, numerous tributes and messages of support have flooded in from across the NFL and the wider sporting world. Amy Adams Strunk, owner of the Titans, released an emotional statement, saying, "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 New York Jets also expressed their solidarity, stating, "Our entire Jets family is with you, @ChrisJohnson28. Sending strength and support as you face this challenge."
Other NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons, offered their support. Current and former players such as Patrick Mahomes, Bo Scaife, Dan Orlovsky, and Phillip Lindsay shared messages of prayer and support. Emmanuel Acho commented on the display of love and support from Johnson's wife.
Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy recalled Johnson's interest in scouting and mentoring young players, attending Scout School and joining the game week scouting staff. Wrestling legend Ric Flair, who has personal experience with ALS through the passing of a friend, sent strength and healing energy to Johnson, emphasizing his role as a fighter.
Johnson stated that he chose to share his story in the hope that it might help someone else get diagnosed sooner, inspire more research, or give another family hope. He was working out daily and spending time with his wife and four children when he received the diagnosis, which he described as occurring during the "prime of his life."