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Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson announced an ALS diagnosis in a Monday, June 29 interview on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Johnson revealed his battle with the motor neuron disease, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a sit-down interview with former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, who works as a host for the program. Johnson said he was diagnosed last year, when he was 39 years old.
"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said in the interview. "My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.
"That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."
Johnson, 40, played 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The East Carolina product was best-known for his time in Tennessee and in 2009 became just the sixth running back in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards in a season.
During that historic season, the speedy Johnson ran for 2,006 rushing yards while logging an NFL-record 2,509 scrimmage yards. He also earned the nickname "CJ2K" for his efforts.
Johnson was named an All-Pro first teamer following his historic season. He also made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons with the Titans and currently ranks fourth overall on the team's all-time rushing list behind Eddie George, Derrick Henry and Earl Campbell.
Johnson finished his NFL career having logged 2,163 carries for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns. He last played during the 2017 season with the Cardinals.
"Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said regarding his ALS diagnosis. "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."
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis in 'Good Morning America' appearance
Continue reading...
Johnson revealed his battle with the motor neuron disease, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a sit-down interview with former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, who works as a host for the program. Johnson said he was diagnosed last year, when he was 39 years old.
"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said in the interview. "My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.
"That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."
Johnson, 40, played 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The East Carolina product was best-known for his time in Tennessee and in 2009 became just the sixth running back in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards in a season.
During that historic season, the speedy Johnson ran for 2,006 rushing yards while logging an NFL-record 2,509 scrimmage yards. He also earned the nickname "CJ2K" for his efforts.
Johnson was named an All-Pro first teamer following his historic season. He also made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons with the Titans and currently ranks fourth overall on the team's all-time rushing list behind Eddie George, Derrick Henry and Earl Campbell.
Johnson finished his NFL career having logged 2,163 carries for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns. He last played during the 2017 season with the Cardinals.
"Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said regarding his ALS diagnosis. "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."
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis in 'Good Morning America' appearance
Continue reading...
