Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson announced that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as reported by The Guardian.
The 39-year-old shared the medical update during a television appearance on ABC's Good Morning America.
Johnson made the announcement while using a speech device during an interview with show co-anchor and fellow former NFL player Michael Strahan.
The diagnosis occurred in 2025 after Johnson noticed a decline in his grip strength.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” said Johnson.
“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.”
The former athlete explained that he decided to speak publicly to increase public knowledge regarding the progressive condition.
ALS is a motor neurone disease that lacks a known cure, resulting in paralysis and eventual death.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” he said. “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.”
Johnson joins a list of multiple contact-sport athletes who have developed the condition, including former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason alongside rugby players Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, and Lewis Moody.
He emphasized that the physical limitations do not change his internal identity.
“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.”
The running back played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals after being drafted in the first round in 2008 from East Carolina.
He earned three Pro Bowl selections and won the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after rushing for 2,006 yards.
“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,” said Amy Strunk, Titans owner.
