Former NFL standout Chris Johnson opens up about his fast-progressing ALS diagnosis

SportsHealth & Fitness
29 Jun 2026 • 10:47 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Former NFL standout Chris Johnson opens up about his fast-progressing ALS diagnosis

  • Former NFL star Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
  • Johnson, 39, revealed his diagnosis on Good Morning America, noting there is no family history of ALS and his case is sporadic.
  • He first experienced weakness in his right hand last year, a symptom he and his wife initially attributed to his extensive NFL career.
  • Johnson's ALS has progressed quickly, leading him to now use a speech-generating device for communication.
  • Despite the shock of the diagnosis, Johnson stated he has chosen to fight the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

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