Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS at 39, Now Uses Speech Device

Chris Johnson, who starred as a running back for the Tennessee Titans, has been diagnosed with ALS. The former NFL player opened up about his condition during an appearance on Good Morning America on Monday, June 29.

Johnson described the initial warning signs that prompted him to seek medical attention. "I first noticed weakness in my right hand," he explained. "At first, it was little things like my grip didn't feel right and I wasn't as strong as I've always been."

His wife, Brittany Johnson, initially suspected the symptoms stemmed from his football background. "I thought because of football and, you know, his career, that it had to be something with that. Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS," she said.

The diagnosis came as unexpected news for the family. "There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson shared. "That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."

When asked about processing the diagnosis, Johnson reflected on his initial reaction. "Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it. At first, you're in shock. Then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight."

A turning point came when Johnson watched an interview on Good Morning America featuring actor Eric Dane discussing ALS with Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, a neurologist and ALS researcher. Inspired by that segment, Johnson reached out to Dr. Cudkowicz for treatment. "After watching 'Good Morning America' and seeing Dr. Merit with Eric Dane, we reached out to her. She was willing to think more creatively, offering experimental treatments that might help and advance research," he said. "We've been with her ever since, and that changed the course of our fight."

The disease has progressed more rapidly than Johnson anticipated. He now relies on a device to assist with speech. "It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she'd make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn't do that," he shared.

Johnson emphasized the severity of the condition's impact on his daily functioning. "I can't even hold a cup if I try, and that's despite being diagnosed relatively early and doing everything we can, including participating in multiple experimental treatments. That's why early detection, more research, and better treatments are so important. We have to give people a better chance than what's available today."

Tragically, Eric Dane passed away earlier this year following his battle with ALS.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a nervous system disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in progressive loss of muscle control. Currently, there is no cure for the condition. While some patients live for decades, most individuals typically survive three to five years following diagnosis.

Those interested in supporting ALS research can find more information and donation options at ALS.com.