Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosisXavier Board, Nashville TennesseanMon, Jun 29, 2026·3 min read
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson announced that he was diagnosed in 2025 with a fatal nervous system disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, during a June 29 interview with ABC's "Good Morning America."
“I first noticed weakness in my right hand,” Johnson said, using his eyes to talk through a speech-operating device. “At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been.”
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Johnson, 40, said it was something he didn't expect.
“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.”
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said the organization will continue to support Johnson and encourages fans to express their love for the Tennessee legend.
"Some people leave a mark on a organization that you just can't put into words," Strunk said in a statement via the Titan's X account. "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."
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Titans star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons said he heard the news from an associate while hosting his "Golf For a Reason" charity golf tournament.
"We are behind him," Simmons said in an interview with WKRN-TV Nashville. "Whatever I could do and I'm sure whatever the Titans organization can do to support and help Chris, we want him to know we're standing behind and will fight this with him."
Johnson is the second former Titans player to publicly announce an ALS diagnosis.
Linebacker Tim Shaw revealed in a 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video that he had been diagnosed with the disease at age 30. Shaw played three seasons with Tennessee from 2010-12 and has since become an advocate for ALS awareness and support.
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, Texas on Oct. 10, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2010 with 1,346 yards on 316 carries with 11 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Former Tennessee Titan Chris Johnson smiles while speaking with a fan during the National Civil Rights Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration in Downtown Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal)Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Chicago Bears in Chicago on Nov. 9, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2008 with 1,228 yards on 251 carries with 9 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker / The Tennessean)Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Miami Dolphins in Miami, Fla., on Nov. 11, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2012 with 1,243 yards on 276 carries with 6 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 2, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2011 with 1,047 yards on 262 carries with 4 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) moves pass Baltimore Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas (91) during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (Dipti Vaidya / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens defender Marques Douglas in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (John Partipilo / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) dives into the end zone for the first score of the game in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running backs Chris Johnson (28) and Len Dale White (25) celebrate after Johnson's first quarter touchdown during the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans alumni Chris Johnson and Derrick Mason serve as the Twelfth Men before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) greets alum Chris Johnson before the game at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)No. 6-Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans running back Johnson (28) gets excited as he is introduced to the crowd before the start of their game against the Oakland Raiders at LP Field Sept. 12, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)No. 6-Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans running back Johnson (28) watches from the side late in the fourth quarter as they lose 26 to 20 to the Denver Broncos at LP Field Oct. 3, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Titan Chris Johnson signs his old shoe, at the Autograph Stage at the NFL Draft Experience, for Richard Hardaway from Mt. Juliet, at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. Johnson threw a shoe to Hardaway after a game years ago. (HELEN COMER/DNJ)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) pulls away from Jacksonville Jaguars defense for a 52 yard touchdown run in the third quarter at LP Field Nov. 1, 2009. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 30-13 for their first win of the season. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) speeds past the Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh Sept. 8, 2013. (George Walker / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) runs for good yardage. (Sanford Myers / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Feb 3, 2010; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (left) poses with Phil Simms at the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year press conference at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports (Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) and cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) celebrate their 38 to 13 home and season opener victory over the Oakland Raiders at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 12, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Tennessee Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson (28) races past Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers (91) during action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 14, 2008. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, left, shown here with fellow former Titans running back and teammate LenDale White, was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night at Omni Nashville Hotel. (MIKE ORGAN / THE TENNESSEAN)Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Houston Texans in Houston on Nov. 23, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2009 with 2,006 yards on 358 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Bills strong safety George Wilson (37) in the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 in Orchard Park, New York. (GEORGE WALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN) (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)Tennessee Titans alumni Chris Johnson, left, and Roydell Williams chat before the game at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)Former Titans running back Chris Johnson serves as the team's 12th man before the game against the Jets at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)Tennessee Titans running backs LenDale White, left, and Chris Johnson enjoy some Thanksgiving food after the Titans' 47-10 rout of the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit. The Lions finished 0-16 that season. (RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press)Sep 26, 2010: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) prior to the game against the New York Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium. (Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports)Oct 21, 2012: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) jumps over Buffalo Bills cornerback Aaron Williams (23) on a run during the fourth quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Titans beat the Bills 35-34. (USA TODAY Sports)Oct 20, 2013: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) eludes the grasp of San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) on his way to a touchdown during the second half at LP Field. The 49ers beat the Titans 31-17. (Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)1 / 29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, Texas on Oct. 10, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2010 with 1,346 yards on 316 carries with 11 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Former Tennessee Titan Chris Johnson smiles while speaking with a fan during the National Civil Rights Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration in Downtown Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Chicago Bears in Chicago on Nov. 9, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2008 with 1,228 yards on 251 carries with 9 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Miami Dolphins in Miami, Fla., on Nov. 11, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2012 with 1,243 yards on 276 carries with 6 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, diagnosed with ALS, former Titans RB ran for 2,000 yards in 2009
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 2, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2011 with 1,047 yards on 262 carries with 4 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, diagnosed with ALS, former Titans RB ran for 2,000 yards in 2009
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) moves pass Baltimore Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas (91) during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (Dipti Vaidya / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens defender Marques Douglas in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (John Partipilo / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) dives into the end zone for the first score of the game in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running backs Chris Johnson (28) and Len Dale White (25) celebrate after Johnson's first quarter touchdown during the AFC Divisional playoff game at LP Field in Nashville Jan. 10, 2009. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans alumni Chris Johnson and Derrick Mason serve as the Twelfth Men before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) greets alum Chris Johnson before the game at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
No. 6-Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans running back Johnson (28) gets excited as he is introduced to the crowd before the start of their game against the Oakland Raiders at LP Field Sept. 12, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
No. 6-Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans running back Johnson (28) watches from the side late in the fourth quarter as they lose 26 to 20 to the Denver Broncos at LP Field Oct. 3, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Titan Chris Johnson signs his old shoe, at the Autograph Stage at the NFL Draft Experience, for Richard Hardaway from Mt. Juliet, at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. Johnson threw a shoe to Hardaway after a game years ago. (HELEN COMER/DNJ)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) pulls away from Jacksonville Jaguars defense for a 52 yard touchdown run in the third quarter at LP Field Nov. 1, 2009. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 30-13 for their first win of the season. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) speeds past the Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh Sept. 8, 2013. (George Walker / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) runs for good yardage. (Sanford Myers / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Feb 3, 2010; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (left) poses with Phil Simms at the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year press conference at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports (Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) and cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) celebrate their 38 to 13 home and season opener victory over the Oakland Raiders at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 12, 2010. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson (28) races past Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers (91) during action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 14, 2008. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, left, shown here with fellow former Titans running back and teammate LenDale White, was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night at Omni Nashville Hotel. (MIKE ORGAN / THE TENNESSEAN)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Running back Chris Johnson (28), in action against Houston Texans in Houston on Nov. 23, was the Tennessee Titans' leading rusher for 2009 with 2,006 yards on 358 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns. (George Walker IV / The Tennessean)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Bills strong safety George Wilson (37) in the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 in Orchard Park, New York. (GEORGE WALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN) (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans alumni Chris Johnson, left, and Roydell Williams chat before the game at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson serves as the team's 12th man before the game against the Jets at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Tennessee Titans running backs LenDale White, left, and Chris Johnson enjoy some Thanksgiving food after the Titans' 47-10 rout of the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit. The Lions finished 0-16 that season. (RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Sep 26, 2010: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) prior to the game against the New York Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium. (Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Oct 21, 2012: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) jumps over Buffalo Bills cornerback Aaron Williams (23) on a run during the fourth quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Titans beat the Bills 35-34. (USA TODAY Sports)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great called CJ2K with 2,000-yard season
Oct 20, 2013: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) eludes the grasp of San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) on his way to a touchdown during the second half at LP Field. The 49ers beat the Titans 31-17. (Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)
What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive nervous system disease where a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly taking away their ability to talk, walk, eat and breathe, according to the ALS Association. It is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
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There is no active cure for the disease.
The ALS Association said nearly 90% of ALS cases occur without a known family history of the disease, while roughly 5% to 10% are inherited.
When did Chris Johnson play for the Titans?
The Titans selected Johnson with the No. 24 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina University. He played six seasons with Tennessee from 2008-13.
Johnson rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his six seasons. His best season came in 2009 as he rushed for 2006 yards, becoming the sixth player in NFL history to pass the 2,000-mark.
He finished his Titans career with 7,965 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns, ranked second in franchise history behind former Titans legend Eddie George. Johnson earned three Pro Bowl selections(2008, 2009, 2010) and won the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.
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He holds the record for total scrimmage yards by a player in a single season, recording over 2509 yards in 2009.
Johnson was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.