Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday.
The former Tennessee Titans star, who played ten seasons from 2008 to 2017, shared details about his sudden health battle with host Michael Strahan.
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Johnson noticed the initial symptoms in his right hand before receiving the diagnosis, according to reports from Fox News and Yahoo Sports.
"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said.
"My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen."
The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects the connection between the brain and muscles, leading to a loss of physical abilities over time.
"That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it," Johnson said.
The 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year described how quickly the physical decline has impacted his ability to interact normally with his family.
He credited his wife, Brittany, and his children for giving him the motivation to face the illness.
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"It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body," Johnson said.
"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 was originally selected fourth overall by the Titans out of East Carolina in 2008, later playing for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the challenges, the three-time Pro Bowler expressed a determination to confront the disease directly.
"Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said. "At first, you're in shock.
Then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight.
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I chose to fight."
