FORMER NFL RUNNING BACK CHRIS JOHNSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALS

Chris Johnson, a former running back for the Tennessee Titans, disclosed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during an interview broadcast on "Good Morning America" on 29 June 2026. Johnson stated he received the diagnosis in 2025. The disease has progressed rapidly; Johnson used a speech-generating device operated by eye movement to communicate during the interview. Johnson said he chose to disclose his condition publicly to potentially help others receive earlier diagnosis, inspire research funding, and offer hope to affected families.

Johnson first noticed weakness in his right hand and diminished grip strength. His wife, Brittany, initially attributed the symptoms to effects from his football career before medical evaluation led to the ALS diagnosis. Doctors initially told Johnson that medication might extend his life by several months and advised him to arrange his personal affairs. After learning of actor Eric Dane's ALS diagnosis and seeing Dane's interview on the same programme, Johnson contacted Dane's physician to explore experimental treatment options that might advance research into the disease.

Amy Adams Strunk, owner of the Tennessee Titans, issued a statement saying the team would "support Chris every step of the way in his journey." Johnson was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft from East Carolina University. He achieved prominence in professional football by becoming the sixth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season.