Former Titans 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis

While best known for his 2,000-yard rushing season with the Tennessee Titans, former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed his ALS diagnosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

He revealed the news during an interview with Good Morning America (GMA). He claimed that his family doesn’t have any “history” of the disease.

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

“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” he 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,” the former first-round NFL Draft pick continued.

In the interview, Johnson revealed that the first thing that he noticed was “weakness in my right hand.” His grip “didn’t feel right and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been.”

His wife, Brittany, assumed that the weakness was due to his 10-year NFL career. She “never” imagined that it would be ASL. Johnson is still processing the diagnosis.

“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.”

The Titans issue statement on former running back Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis

The Titans’ owner, Amy Adams Strunk, issued a statement on Johnson’s diagnosis on June 29, 2026. Strunk raved about the former running back.

“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words,” the statement began. “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,” Strunk continued.

Johnson played six seasons for the Titans. He was drafted with the 24th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He famously rushed for 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009, resulting in him winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. Johnson still holds the record for the most scrimmage yards in a season (2,509).

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