Chris Johnson, a former running back for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, announced Monday that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal nervous system disease.
Johnson was an electric runner in the NFL, becoming one of just nine players to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season when he posted 2,006 yards in 2009.
The 39-year-old announced his diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, during an interview with “Good Morning America.”
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson said through a speech assistance device. “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 disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, quickly impacting speech and movement. The majority of people with ALS die within five years after their diagnosis, according to recent research.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson said, noting that he was diagnosed last year. “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.”
The announcement led to an outpouring of support from the NFL world.
“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you can’t put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise.”
“Rooting for you, CJ2K,” the Jacksonville Jaguars posted on X, referring to Johnson’s nickname for his historic season.
Johnson still ranks seventh all-time for the most rushing yards in a single season. He started his career with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Eastern Carolina product ultimately retired in 2017 with 9,651 rushing yards, 2,255 receiving yards and 64 total touchdowns.
He noted during Monday’s interview that he hoped to raise awareness and funding for ALS by disclosing his diagnosis. The illness is rare, affecting approximately 35,000 people each years, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The nerve issues eventually cause paralysis and difficulty breathing and swallowing, while the person’s ability to think, see, smell, hear and taste remain unaffected.
“I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family,” Johnson said. “My body just doesn’t cooperate.”
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
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