In brief
Chris Johnson, 40, disclosed his ALS diagnosis during a June 29 interview on Good Morning America, using an eye-controlled speech device.
Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009, part of a 2,509-yard scrimmage season (NFL record), earning Offensive Player of the Year and the nickname CJ2K.
After seeing actor Eric Dane's battle with ALS, Johnson contacted Dane's doctor, Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, who is now overseeing his treatment.
Johnson's former teammate Tim Shaw has lived with ALS since 2014; the Titans and Nashville have become a center for ALS advocacy and research.
'ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am,' Johnson said, vowing to fight the disease.
His wife Brittany and four children are beside him; Brittany initially thought the weakness was football-related.
- 2024Inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
- 2025Diagnosed with ALS at age 39 after noticing weakness in right hand
- 29 JunAnnounces diagnosis on Good Morning America
A shocking diagnosis
On June 29, Chris Johnson appeared on Good Morning America alongside his wife Brittany and revealed he has ALS. Johnson, who turned 40 earlier this year, first noticed weakness in his right hand last year. Doctors later confirmed the diagnosis of sporadic ALS, the most common form, which occurs without family history. He now communicates using a device he controls with his eyes; the device synthesizes speech using his preserved voice.
“There's no history of ALS in my family. That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it.”
One of the NFL's greats
Johnson entered the league in 2008 as a first-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans. His speed was legendary, and in 2009 he joined the exclusive 2,000-yard rushing club with 2,006 yards. He also caught 50 passes for 503 yards, setting the single-season scrimmage record of 2,509 yards that still stands. That season earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors and the nickname CJ2K. Over his 10-year career with the Titans, Jets, and Cardinals, he rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl selections.
A team and a city united against ALS
Johnson's diagnosis echoes that of his former Titans teammate Tim Shaw, who has lived with ALS since 2014. Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk called the news "extremely difficult" and pledged the organization's support.
“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us.”
Choosing to fight
Johnson said he was inspired to seek out Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, the physician who treated actor Eric Dane before his death from ALS in February. He is now undergoing experimental treatment. Despite the prognosis, Johnson remains determined.
“First, I want people to know that I'm still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am.”