Former Titans running back Chris Johnson cites football in ALS diagnosis
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 9:40 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson expressed his belief that his professional football career may have contributed to his diagnosis of ALS. Johnson, who received the diagnosis two months ago, stated in an interview that multiple neurologists questioned him about his time in the NFL during initial examinations. Although Johnson noted he cannot confirm the exact cause of the condition, he confirmed the illness is not genetic. The former player, who earned the nickname CJ2K after a 2,006-yard rushing season in 2009, remains an advocate for continued research into potential links between the sport and neurodegenerative diseases. Since his diagnosis, the NFL has revitalized the Ice Bucket Challenge to increase awareness for the condition. Johnson played 10 seasons in the league between 2008 and 2017.
- •Chris Johnson was diagnosed with ALS two months ago.
- •Neurologists linked Johnson's symptoms to his 10-year NFL career.
- •The diagnosis is not genetic in origin.
- •The NFL has reintroduced the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise ALS awareness.
- •Johnson played for the Titans from 2008 to 2017.
- 9:40 PMYahoo Sports — Chris Johnson writes letter to his kids after ALS diagnosis. What it says
- 8:19 PMYahoo Sports — Former Titans RB Chris Johnson shares football memories, ALS fears in Players' Tribune
- 7:33 PMYahoo Sports — Former NFL star Chris Johnson reflects on ALS risk in public letter to his children
- 4:55 PMYahoo Sports — Titans news: Titans legend Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking confession about football playing possible role in ALS diagnosis
"It’s been two months since former Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis . Now in a featured interview with Sports Illustrated, Johnson provides a devastating revelation. In an interview with Matt Verderame, Johnson believes that the game of football may have contributed to his diagnosis. He was not predisposed to the disease, […] The post Titans news: Titans legend Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking confession about football playing possible role in ALS diagnosis appeared f
"Chris Johnson has been to every major ALS clinic in the country and seen neurologists respond once they learn he played football. The sixth man to run for 2,000 yards in an NFL season read the study that found former NFL players were nearly four times as likely to develop and die from ALS than other men. “Obviously, I can’t help but wonder if there’s any connection between my career and where I am now,” Johnson wrote in a letter to his four children published Thursday by The Players Tribune.
"Former Titans running back Chris Johnson shares football memories, ALS fears in a letter to his kids in Players' Tribune.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 9:40 PMChris Johnson writes letter to his kids after ALS diagnosis. What it says
Tennessee Titans franchise icon Chris Johnson writes in open letter that his kids give him strength in ALS battle.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 8:19 PMFormer Titans RB Chris Johnson shares football memories, ALS fears in Players' Tribune
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson shares football memories, ALS fears in a letter to his kids in Players' Tribune.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 7:33 PMFormer NFL star Chris Johnson reflects on ALS risk in public letter to his children
Chris Johnson has been to every major ALS clinic in the country and seen neurologists respond once they learn he played football. The sixth man to run for 2,000 yards in an NFL season read the study that found former NFL players were nearly four times as likely to develop and die from ALS than other men. “Obviously, I can’t help but wonder if there’s any connection between my career and where I am now,” Johnson wrote in a letter to his four children published Thursday by The Players Tribune.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 4:55 PMTitans news: Titans legend Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking confession about football playing possible role in ALS diagnosis
It’s been two months since former Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis . Now in a featured interview with Sports Illustrated, Johnson provides a devastating revelation. In an interview with Matt Verderame, Johnson believes that the game of football may have contributed to his diagnosis. He was not predisposed to the disease, […] The post Titans news: Titans legend Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking confession about football playing possible role in ALS diagnosis appeared f
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