Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson reveals a devastating health diagnosis

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson revealed Monday on Good Morning America that he has been diagnosed with ALS at age 39, making the disclosure publicly for the first time in an interview with co-anchor Michael Strahan.

Johnson said he was diagnosed with the disease in 2025. He participated in the interview using a speech-generating device built from recordings of his own voice.

"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said. "My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen. That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."

Johnson says the disease has progressed faster than he imagined

He said his first symptom was weakness in his right hand. His wife Brittany initially thought it might be a pinched nerve from his playing career.

"It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined," Johnson said. "I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. 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."

According to his account, his original medical team told him to "get our affairs in order." He subsequently watched actor Eric Dane and ALS specialist Dr. Merit Cudkowicz on a previous Good Morning America broadcast and reached out to her clinic. He is now on standard care, taking three medications to slow the progression, and is participating in a clinical trial.

"I want people to know I am still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am." He also said: "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."

Johnson was the 24th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina. He played six seasons with the Titans, one with the New York Jets, and three with the Arizona Cardinals. His defining season came in 2009, when he set the NFL single-season scrimmage yards record with 2,509 and rushed for 2,006 yards, earning the nickname CJ2K and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

He made three Pro Bowls and received first-team All-Pro honors.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement:

"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. 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. Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey. We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris."

Johnson said he came forward hoping his visibility would help others. "If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, it is worth it."

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