Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

On Monday, former NFL star Chris Johnson shared a startling update: he was diagnosed with ALS last year at the age of 39. This revelation came during his appearance on “Good Morning America.”

Reflecting on his condition, Johnson, who is now 40, explained to Michael Strahan, “There’s no history of ALS in my family. My doctors believe I have what is termed sporadic ALS. This is, in fact, what occurs in most ALS cases.”

“That’s one reason why this disease can be so shocking,” he noted. “It can affect people you never thought it would.” When discussing his diagnosis, Johnson expressed his determination to face it head-on.

“Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve entirely processed it,” he admitted. “You start off feeling shocked, and then you realize you have to decide: give up or fight. I opted to fight.”

He explained that the illness has led to some complications, particularly a sense of weakness in his right hand while he was with his wife, Brittany, and their four kids. “Initially, it was just things like my grip feeling off or not having my usual strength,” he described.

The Johnson family had initially speculated that his symptoms were related to his long football career. Johnson, a first-round draft pick in 2008, enjoyed a decade in the NFL, which prompted his wife, Brittany, to think it might be something like a pinched nerve, but not ALS.

ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, typically has a life expectancy of three to five years, with only about 10 percent of those diagnosed living past a decade. In light of his diagnosis, the Johnsons have decided to pursue an experimental treatment to explore new options for patients.

“It continues to progress much faster than I imagined. I want people to understand how quickly ALS attacks the body,” Johnson acknowledged. “A little over a year ago, I could pick up my 7-year-old daughter to celebrate her birthday. I can’t do that now.”

During his six seasons with the Titans, Johnson amassed impressive stats, including 2,006 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, earning the title of Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. After a brief stint with the Jets in 2014, he concluded his NFL career with the Cardinals, finishing with 9,651 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns.

Despite the challenges posed by ALS, Johnson affirmed that the disease hasn’t changed who he is at his core. “Sometimes people see a physical disability and assume the person’s inner self has changed. I still think the same thoughts. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just won’t cooperate,” he stated.