Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed Monday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), opening up publicly about his battle with the neurodegenerative disease during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.
Johnson, who became one of the most explosive running backs of his generation, shared the news with co-host Michael Strahan, explaining that he first began noticing subtle symptoms before eventually receiving the life-changing diagnosis.
Selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 24th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson wasted little time making an impact in the league. He rushed for more than 1,200 yards during his rookie season before delivering one of the greatest rushing campaigns in NFL history in 2009.
That season, Johnson eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark, becoming just the ninth player in league history to accomplish the feat at the time. The milestone earned him the nickname “CJ2K” and cemented his place among the NFL’s elite running backs.
Johnson retired from professional football in 2017 after compiling 9,651 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns over the course of his career.
During Monday’s interview, Johnson disclosed that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025. The disease, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has progressed rapidly since then.
Because of that progression, Johnson relied on a speech-generating device to communicate during the interview.
“I first noticed weakness in my right hand,” Johnson said through the device. “At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right, and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always always been.”
As the weakness continued, Johnson and his family searched for answers.
His wife, Brittany, said they initially wondered whether the symptoms could have been related to the physical demands of his football career. However, after Johnson sought medical attention and underwent extensive testing, doctors ultimately diagnosed him with ALS.
“We hoped it was something else,” Johnson said. “But after thorough testing, they finally came down with a diagnosis of ALS. They told us about a medication that might extend life by a few months, then they told us to get our affairs in order.”
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no known cure. According to Johnson, he has been taking three different medications in an effort to slow the disease’s progression.
He also participated in a clinical trial aimed at reducing inflammation as part of his ongoing treatment.
Despite the difficult diagnosis and the rapid progression of the disease, Johnson said he wanted to speak publicly about his experience for a reason larger than himself.
When asked why he chose to share his story, the former NFL star said he hopes it can make a difference for others facing similar challenges.
“Because 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 said.
Johnson’s announcement offers a candid look at the challenges he has faced since receiving his diagnosis while highlighting his hope that increased awareness could encourage earlier diagnoses, support additional research, and provide encouragement to families confronting ALS.
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