Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis at 40
NFL legend Tim Green begins his ALS journey
‘Fox & Friends’ co-host Brian Kilmeade traveled to Green’s home in New York to discuss his diagnosis, his faith, the technology that allows him to use his own voice, fundraising for treatment and his new ‘Rocket Arm’ book.
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Chris Johnson was a dominant running back at one point in his NFL career.
In his second season with the Tennessee Titans in 2009, he rushed for 2,000 yards and made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He was named the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl in 2009 thanks to his statistical prowess that season.
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Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on November 28, 2010. The Texans defeated the Titans 20-0. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson, 40, announced a heartbreaking new challenge on Monday. He said he was diagnosed with ALS.
“There is no history of ALS in my family,” he said on ABC “Good morning America.” “My doctors believe my condition is a condition called sporadic ALS, which is actually the vast majority of ALS cases.
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“That’s one of the reasons why this disease is so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expects it.”
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson hits a long run in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on November 8, 2009. The Titans defeated the 49ers 34-27. (Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson said he began to notice weakness in his right hand and that his grip wasn’t as strong as it had been before.
“It continues to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand how quickly ALS can attack your body,” Johnson said. “More than a year ago, I was holding my 7-year-old daughter so she could make a wish with a birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that.”
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There is no known cure for ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. According to the ALS Association, this is a progressive disease in which the brain loses connection with the muscles. Patients gradually lose their ability to walk, talk, eat, dress, write, swallow and eventually breathe.
Johnson said his family, including his wife Brittany, gave him “a reason to keep going.”
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson runs against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Charlotte, NC. (Sam Sharpe/USA TODAY Sports)
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The former running back played in the NFL from 2008 to 2017 with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.
Fox News’ Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.
