Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 40

Former NFL star running back Chris Johnson revealed Monday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. The retired athlete, who earned the nickname “CJ2K” during his historic career, shared the news during an emotional interview on “Good Morning America,” disclosing that he received the diagnosis last year at age 39. Johnson, now 40, appeared on the program alongside his wife, Brittany Johnson. Because the progressive neurodegenerative disease has already claimed his ability to speak, Johnson utilized a speech-generating device that used his own recorded voice to communicate.

He told interviewer Michael Strahan that there is no history of the condition in his family, leading medical professionals to categorize his ailment as sporadic ALS. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen,” Johnson said through the device. He noted the “shocking” nature of the disease, which often targets individuals who have no reason to expect such a diagnosis. The three-time Pro Bowler first noticed symptoms while spending time with his wife and their four children.

He described a sudden loss of strength in his right hand, noting that his grip “didn’t feel right.” While the family initially suspected the issues were related to the physical toll of a 10-year NFL career, medical testing proved otherwise. Brittany Johnson admitted she originally thought the weakness was a minor issue like a pinched nerve. “I thought because of football and, you know, his career, that it had to be something with that,” she said, expressing the family’s disbelief that it could be a terminal condition with no known cure.

Despite the terminal nature of the illness, the former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets star remains determined to maintain a positive outlook for his family. He credited his children as his primary motivation for continuing to persevere through the physical challenges. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices,” Johnson said during the broadcast. “You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.”

Johnson is best remembered for his 2009 season with the Titans, where he became one of only eight players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He finished that year with 2,006 yards and set an NFL record for total yards from scrimmage with 2,509. He retired from professional football in 2018. Participating in sporadic ALS research and raising awareness has now become his new focus as he navigates life with the disorder.