Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis for the first time. The 40-year-old former Tennessee Titans star spoke to Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" via an eye-controlled speech-generating device, sharing that he was diagnosed last year with no known family history of the disease.
Johnson's Message: 'I'm Still Me'
"First, I want people to know I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am," said Johnson, a father of four. "If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, then it’s worth it."
Johnson, who played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2018, noted that his disease has "continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined." He added, "Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she’d make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that."
Wife Brittany Recalls Initial Symptoms
Johnson’s wife, Brittany, said she initially attributed his symptoms—including weakness in his right hand—to past football injuries. "Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS," she explained.
ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an incurable neurodegenerative condition that attacks the nervous system, progressively impairing movement, speech, and breathing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years.
Inspiration from Eric Dane and Family
Johnson credited late actor Eric Dane, who died in February after living with ALS, with inspiring him to go public. He also thanked his wife and children for giving him "a reason to keep fighting."
"Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said. "At first you’re in shock, then you realize you have two choices: You can give up, or you could fight. I chose to fight."
