Pro Football Rumors
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced he is battling ALS. In an interview that aired Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the 40-year-old Johnson revealed the diagnosis came as a “shock.”
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson said. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.”
According to the Mayo Clinic: “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as ALS, the disease leads to muscle weakness and other symptoms that get worse over time.”
Johnson began experiencing mild symptoms in 2025, saying; “I first noticed weakness in my right hand. At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been.”
Johnson’s condition has deteriorated so rapidly that he is no longer able to speak, pick up his 7-year-old daughter or even hold a cup. After Johnson received his diagnosis, his voice was recorded and programmed into a speech-generating device. He now uses it to speak.
While there is is no known cure for ALS, Johnson’s participation in a clinical trial has yielded encouraging results*,* Dr. Merit Cudkowicz told GMA.
“Chris has been on standard of care, which is about three different medications that slow down the illness,” she said. “But he was also part of a clinical trial, a therapy that decreases inflammation, and I think that helped him a lot.”
Johnson, who played for the Titans, Cardinals and Jets, was among the NFL’s most electrifying players during a career that spanned from 2008-17. Capitalizing on his blazing speed, Johnson begin his career in Tennessee with six straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including a 2,006-yard showing in 2009. Johnson, who earned the nickname “CJ2K,” set what still stands as the all-time record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage that season. He earned Offensive Player of the Year honors and the second of three Pro Bowl nods for his efforts.
Former NFL linebacker Tim Shaw, who was teammates with Johnson in Tennessee from 2010-12, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. Reacting to Johnson’s devastating announcement on Monday, Shaw told veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky via text: “I’m very proud of CJ. Telling the world is super tough. Especially when you’re a private person. Chris and I have been talking for a while. He’s got such a great attitude. He’s got all the motivation of his family. And he has faith in God for his future. So he’s crushing it.”
We at PFR are rooting for Johnson, Shaw and all others affected by ALS.
