ESPN NFL on Chris Johnson

Former Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson revealed in an ABC Good Morning America interview that he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2025 at age 40. Johnson stated his case is sporadic ALS, which accounts for the vast majority of ALS cases and has no family history. Symptoms began with a weaker grip approximately one year prior and has progressed rapidly; he can no longer hold a cup or speak on his own. He is using a speech-generating device based on recordings of his voice to communicate and is participating in a clinical trial as part of his treatment. According to Boston University's CTE Center research released in 2021, pro football players are four times more likely to develop and die from ALS than the general adult male population, with repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injuries suggested as potential contributing factors. Johnson played 10 seasons in the NFL (2008-17) with the Titans, Jets, and Cardinals, earning the nickname CJ2K after rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009—still seventh all-time for a single season—and breaking the NFL's single-season record for yards from scrimmage (2,509) while earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.

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