Chris Johnson, the former Tennessee Titans running back who rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single NFL season, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 39-year-old shared the news during an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, speaking to co-anchor Michael Strahan, a former NFL player himself, using a speech device.
Diagnosis and reaction
Johnson said there is no history of ALS in his family and that his doctors believe his case is sporadic ALS, which accounts for the vast majority of cases. “It can happen to someone who never expected it,” he said.
He was diagnosed in 2025 after noticing a loss of strength in his grip. “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.”
NFL career highlights
Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler during his 10-season NFL career and was named the league's offensive player of the year in 2009, when he rushed for 2,006 yards — the seventh-most in history. He played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. He was a first-round pick by the Titans in 2008 after a standout college career at East Carolina.
ALS and contact sports
ALS, a type of motor neurone disease, causes paralysis and eventually death; there is no known cure. A number of athletes in contact sports have developed the disease, including former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason and rugby stars Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir and Lewis Moody.
Raising awareness
Johnson said he is speaking publicly about his diagnosis to raise awareness. “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.”
Titans tribute
Titans owner Amy Strunk paid tribute to Johnson in a statement, complimenting his “leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room … the Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise.”
