Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis after the disease rapidly affected his movement and speech. The former Tennessee Titans running back disclosed his condition during an interview with Michael Strahan on ABC’s Good Morning America, as reported by the Baltimore Chronicle.
Chris Johnson now communicates through an eye-controlled device
Johnson said weakness in his right hand was the first warning sign. His family initially suspected a pinched nerve linked to his NFL career. Further medical testing led to an ALS diagnosis in 2025.
The 40-year-old can no longer speak independently. He communicates through an eye-controlled device using a recording of his own voice.
“ALS has changed what my body can do. But it hasn’t changed who I am,” Johnson said during the ABC interview.
His case has been classified as sporadic ALS. This form appears without a known family history and accounts for around 90% of diagnoses.
The first signs reported by Johnson included:
- reduced grip strength;
- weakness in his right hand;
- difficulty completing ordinary physical tasks;
- rapidly declining speech and movement.
Johnson said the progression was faster than he expected. Just over a year earlier, he could lift his daughter during her birthday celebration.
NFL record holder turns diagnosis into a public campaign
Johnson became an NFL star during the 2009 season. He rushed for 2,006 yards and recorded a league-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
| Career detail | Record |
|---|---|
| NFL seasons | 10 |
| Career rushing yards | 9,651 |
| 2009 rushing yards | 2,006 |
| 2009 scrimmage yards | 2,509 |
The former first-round pick played for the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. He last appeared in the NFL in 2017.
Johnson now hopes his story will encourage earlier testing and greater investment in ALS research. “As long as they’re fighting for people with ALS, I’m going to keep fighting, too,” he said.
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