Chris Johnson Reveals Serious Health Diagnosis
Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson shared a concerning update in a recent TV appearance on Monday morning.
The 40-year-old athlete detailed how what he first believed to be mere weakness in his right hand was later diagnosed as a life-threatening condition.
“I still think the same things. I still dream. I still love my family,” Johnson stated, maintaining a hopeful outlook despite his situation.
Initially, he and his wife Brittany thought he might be facing lingering issues from his NFL days, prompting him to get tested.
“For the first time, I realized how weak my right hand was,” Johnson explained. “It started with small things, like my grip feeling off or lacking the usual strength.”
After comprehensive testing, it became clear: Johnson was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The former Tennessee Titans star noted that he was informed about a medication that could potentially extend his life for several months, but he was also advised to prepare for the worst outcomes.
“Then they told us to sort things out. That was painful to hear,” Johnson recalled while speaking with NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.
Notably, he communicated his thoughts via a voice program controlled by his eyes, using a recorded version of his voice from shortly after his diagnosis. Losing his natural voice is just one of the many physical struggles he faces.
“When I try to hold a cup, I can’t. Even though I was diagnosed relatively early and have explored various experimental treatments,” Johnson added, highlighting the challenges his illness has brought.
He urged for earlier detection and advocated for more research and treatment options, emphasizing the importance of giving people opportunities that he now wishes he could provide.
Brittany Johnson expressed her belief that Chris’s condition might stem from injuries or confrontations during his football career. “I thought about football and his career; I thought it had to be something else,” she mentioned to Strahan, speculating about possibilities like a pinched nerve instead of ALS.
When asked how this diagnosis changed their lives, Chris shared his desire to keep fighting to create more memories with his children and simply be there as a father.
“At first you’re in shock. Then you realize it’s either give up or fight. I chose to fight,” he explained.
Despite the physical challenges, Johnson is determined to show that his mind remains sharp. “Sometimes people look at physical disabilities and think I’m not the same person inside. I still think the same way. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just isn’t cooperating,” he said.
During his NFL career, Johnson achieved a remarkable total of 9,651 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns, and he is still known for one of the fastest times in the NFL Combine’s history.
