Retired NFL running back Chris Johnson announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is advancing faster than expected.
The 39-year-old former Tennessee Titans star disclosed the medical development during a television interview, using an electronic device to speak due to his rapidly deteriorating physical condition.
No Family History
"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said.
The three-time Pro Bowler explained that doctors categorize his condition as a non-inherited form of the disease, which caught him off guard.
"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.
The physical decline has severely restricted his daily mobility and parental capabilities over the past twelve months.
"I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body," Johnson said.
He contrasted his current limitations with normal family moments from the previous year.
"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 said.
Despite losing his speech and motor functions, the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year emphasized that his internal identity remains intact.
"ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am," Johnson said.
He noted that onlookers frequently misjudge the cognitive state of individuals suffering from advanced physical paralysis.
"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," Johnson said.
Following the public disclosure, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released an official statement confirming that the organization is holding Johnson and his family close during this difficult time.
The ten-year NFL veteran spent six seasons with the Titans, finishing fourth all-time in franchise history with 7,965 rushing yards and 50 touchdown runs before concluding his career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2017.
