During an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” that aired on Monday, former NFL runningback and three-time Pro Bowler Chris Johnson revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS.
Johnson said he was diagnosed with the disease in 2025 at the age of 39. Its progression has been rapid and he spoke through a speech-generating device that he controls through eye movements.
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“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson 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.”
ALS is an acronym for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a condition that impacts the connection between nerves and muscles throughout the body.
Over time, it deteriorates one’s ability to walk, move and speak.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” he said. “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 was initially offered medication that he was told would extend his life by a few months, but opted to take part in a clinical trial with more experimental treatments.
After the interview aired on Monday, Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement in support of Johnson.
“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us,” the statement read. “We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris.”
Johnson was drafted in the first round by the Titans in 2008 and immediately made an impact, reaching the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons in the league.
In 2009, his lightning-quick speed helped him record 2,006 rushing yards, which still ranks seventh in NFL history.
He was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year that season while setting the NFL record for yards from scrimmage with 2,509.
His six touchdown runs of 80 yards or more still remains the most in league history.
After six straight 1,000-yard seasons, he was released by the Titans and played one season on the New York Jets and three more on the Arizona Cardinals.
Johnson said in the interview that he wants to raise awareness by going public, while also telling the world that he’s still the same man that burned through defenses on the field.
“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.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
