Former Titans RB Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

NASHVILLE – Former Titans running back Chris Johnson revealed on Monday morning he has been diagnosed with ALS.

Johnson made his diagnosis public during an interview with Michael Strahan on ABC's Good Morning America.

"I want people to know I am still me," Johnson said. "ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am."

Johnson, who is 40, was diagnosed with ALS last year and the disease has spread rapidly. He now uses his eyes to trigger a speech-generating device to speak.

"If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope," Johnson said, "it is worth it."

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

According to the ALS Association, the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw, who played from 2010-12 with the Titans, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014, not long after his six-year playing career ended. He has been battling the disease since, now using a wheelchair to maintain his mobility.

A first-round pick of the Titans in the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson played from 2008-2013 in Tennessee.

"Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into words," Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "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."

In the interview, Johnson said he first noticed weakness in his right hand last year, when his grip didn't feel right. But his condition began to worsen, and doctors ultimately gave him the diagnosis. Johnson said he reached out to Good Morning America after seeing a doctor discuss ALS, and potential experimental treatments.

"We hoped it was something else," Johnson said. "But after thorough testing, they finally came down with a diagnosis of ALS. They told us about a medication that might extend life by a few months, then they told us to get our affairs in order. It was hard hearing that."

In 10 NFL seasons, Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, while adding another 2,255 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

In 2024, Johnson was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

During an interview with TennesseeTitans.com in 2024, Johnson said he fell in love with the city, while Titans fans fell in love with him.

"I love Tennessee," said Johnson, who played six of his 10 NFL seasons with the Titans. "I come back all the time. The city embraced me, the fans loved me. Everyone around the city – and the whole state, for that matter – embraced me. Nashville, and Tennessee, will always be my second home. It will aways be a place I come to.

"I love the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. No matter where I am, I always seem to run into somebody from Tennessee and they are so nice to me."

Johnson had 1,742 carries for 7,965 yards and scored 58 touchdowns in 95 games for the Titans in his career.

In 2009, Johnson ran for 2,006 yards with the Titans while setting a single-season NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage. He was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year, along with first-team All-Pro.

It was the time of his life, Johnson said.

"I was 21 years old when I first got there," said Johnson in 2024. "I grew up there, in Tennessee, learned a lot, learned how to be on my own. I went from not having money, to having money and learning what I wanted to do with it. There was some maturing going on. It was a whole lot of growing up.

"And I loved playing football. I had some great teammates, great coaches. I have so many great memories."

Johnson, who has four children, including twin sons, has remained involved in Titans events since his playing days ended. He's also hosted a podcast, "Smash & Dash," with his friend and former teammate, LenDale White.

In recent years, Johnson has also expressed an interest in a career in scouting. He was invited to NFL Scout School at the Senior Bowl to expand his knowledge and determine just what his overall interest might be, and he has worked mentoring running backs in Mobile.

During a mock draft roundup leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, Johnson was the only person among 160 TennesseeTitans.com pollsters to correctly tab Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate to the Titans.

"I told you," Johnson replied with a pair of laughing emojis on April 23, the night of the draft.

Today, Johnson is battling a serious disease, and he's asking for prayers. He said he wants more time with his wife, and his children.

"Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said. "At first, you are in shock, and then you realize you have two choices: You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.

"(ALS) has continued to progress much faster than I imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. … I still think the same, I still dream, I still love my family. My body just doesn't cooperate.

"Having doctors who are willing to collaborate and explore every reasonable option has meant a lot to my family," Johnson continued. "Right now there isn't a cure, but we are seeing more research, more clinical trials, and more promising ideas than ever before. Seeing how hard these doctors and researchers are working gives me hope. As long as they are fighting for people with ALS, I am going to keep fighting, too."

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