Chris Johnson, a former star in the National Football League, revealed Monday that he received an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in 2025. At the time, he was 39 years old.
Having stints with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets, Johnson spoke about his diagnosis in an interview for “Good Morning America.” Johnson had to speak using a speech-generating device that features his recorded voice, doing so as a result of ALS muting his speaking ability. (RELATED: ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller Gets Arm Amputated Following Horrifying Car Accident)
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” said the 40-year-old Johnson to Michael Strahan. “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,” added Johnson. “It can happen to someone who never expected it.”
FULL INTERVIEW: Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals his ALS diagnosis at 39. pic.twitter.com/5Pb8YAQ5x0
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 29, 2026
After being questioned regarding his diagnosis, Johnson stated that he’d battle through the disease.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” said Johnson. “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.”
According to Johnson, his ALS symptoms began while he was hanging out with his wife and four children, feeling his right hand go weak.
“At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right, and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been,” said Johnson.