Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan has defended his decision not to question former NFL running back Chris Johnson about the link between football and ALS during a July 28 interview.
Johnson disclosed his ALS diagnosis on the show, detailing his rapid physical decline over the past year while using an assistive speech device.
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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.
He noted that he had no family history of the neurological condition before receiving his diagnosis.
“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.
Johnson emphasized that his primary goal was to raise awareness and help others facing similar struggles.
“There's no history of ALS in my family.
My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen,” he said.
He expressed hope that sharing his story would spur medical research.
“If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, then it's worth it,” Johnson said.
After the segment, media observers criticized the interview for skipping health concerns tied to brain trauma.
Former Sports Illustrated writer Jeff Pearlman publicly called out Strahan.
“We know by now through studies that there is a correlation between playing football and ALS.
