Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis, says he wants to help others
Chris Johnson said he learned he has ALS last year and used a speech-generating device on Good Morning America, saying he wants his diagnosis to help “even one person.”
Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with ALS and used a speech-generating device to tell his story on Good Morning America. The 40-year-old former Tennessee Titans running back learned of the diagnosis last year, when he was 39, and Brittany Johnson appeared with him in the segment.
Johnson said doctors believe his case is sporadic ALS, the form that accounts for about 90% to 95% of cases and, by definition, has no known family history or clear inherited mutation. ALS attacks motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing. Augmentative and alternative communication devices can greatly improve quality of life for people living with the disease.
After testing, Johnson said his family had hoped it was “something else.” He said he went public to help at least “even one person” get diagnosed sooner or give another family hope. Johnson also said, “I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family.”
Johnson was a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and played for the franchise from 2008 to 2013 before later stints with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Former linebacker Tim Shaw played for Tennessee from 2010 to 2012, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014 and now uses a wheelchair.
Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, won NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and rushed for 2,006 yards that season. He became one of only nine players in NFL history to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a year.
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