Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis during Good Morning America interview
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 1:33 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, known for his time with the Titans and Cardinals, announced on 'Good Morning America' that he has been diagnosed with ALS. The 40-year-old stated that he was diagnosed last year, after experiencing weakness in his right hand, which he initially attributed to a sports injury. Johnson described the diagnosis as a shock, sharing that his doctors believe his case is sporadic ALS, which accounts for most cases. He emphasized his determination to fight against the disease, stating he has two choices: to give up or to fight.
- •Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis in a June 29 interview.
- •He first noticed weakness in his right hand last year.
- •The diagnosis was a shock, with no family history of ALS.
- •Johnson was a first-round pick by the Titans in 2008.
- •He was known for his record of 2,509 scrimmage yards in a single season.
- 2:42 PMYahoo Sports — Former Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS
- 2:11 PMESPN — Ex-Titans, Cards RB Johnson says he has ALS
- 2:10 PMYahoo Sports — Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS
- 1:32 PMYahoo Sports — Tennessee Titans legend Chris Johnson reveals devastating ALS diagnosis
- 1:20 PMCBS NFL — Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
"Chris Johnson, a former running back with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals who once rushed for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, revealed in a television interview Monday that he has been diagnosed with ALS. The 40-year-old Johnson, who last played in 2017, said on ABC's “Good Morning America” that he had been diagnosed with the disease last year. “We hoped it was something else, but after thorough testing, they finally came down with a diagnosis of ALS,” said Johnson, who used a speech-generating device to speak during the interview.
"Former Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson reveals he is battling ALS at age 39 in a heartbreaking interview on Good Morning America.
"Former Titans and Cardinals running back Chris Johnson told "Good Morning America" that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 2:42 PMFormer Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed he has Lou Gehrig's Disease. He played three seasons for the Cardinals.
- ESPNJun 29, 2026, 2:11 PMEx-Titans, Cards RB Johnson says he has ALS
Former Titans and Cardinals running back Chris Johnson told "Good Morning America" that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 2:10 PMFormer Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS
Chris Johnson, a former running back with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals who once rushed for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, revealed in a television interview Monday that he has been diagnosed with ALS. The 40-year-old Johnson, who last played in 2017, said on ABC's “Good Morning America” that he had been diagnosed with the disease last year. “We hoped it was something else, but after thorough testing, they finally came down with a diagnosis of ALS,” said Johnson, who used a speech-generating device to speak during the interview.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 1:32 PMTennessee Titans legend Chris Johnson reveals devastating ALS diagnosis
Former Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson reveals he is battling ALS at age 39 in a heartbreaking interview on Good Morning America.
- CBS NFLJun 29, 2026, 1:20 PMFormer NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
The 40-year-old told 'Good Morning America' he was diagnosed last year
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