Chris Johnson, the former NFL running back best known for his record-setting 2009 season, publicly disclosed he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during a Good Morning America interview on June 29, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Johnson was officially diagnosed with ALS in 2025 at age 39 after first noticing weakness in his right hand and grip strength deterioration [1, 2, 3]. "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 said [1].

Johnson said his doctors consider his case to be sporadic ALS, meaning there is no family history of the disease. "There's no history of ALS in my family. My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen," he explained [2]. ALS causes progressive paralysis and eventually death, and there is currently no known cure [1, 2, 3, 4].

Johnson's ALS progression has been rapid, greatly impacting his motor functions since diagnosis. "It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body," he said [1, 4]. As a result, Johnson now uses a speech-generating device to communicate [1, 2, 3].

Johnson had a 10-year NFL career, mainly with the Tennessee Titans, but also with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals [1, 2, 3, 4]. In 2009, he rushed for 2,006 yards and totaled 2,509 scrimmage yards, an NFL record still standing [1, 3, 4]. Titans controlling owner Amy Strunk praised Johnson’s leadership and impact. "Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. 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," she said [3].

Johnson said, "Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it. 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" [3]. He has participated in multiple experimental ALS treatments and is under the care of Dr. Merit Cudkowicz [1].