Johnson revealed his battle with the motor neuron disease, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a sit-down interview with formerNew York Giantsdefensive end Michael Strahan, who works as a host for the program. Johnson said he was diagnosed last year, when he was 39 years old.
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"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."
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
4/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
5/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
10/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
11/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) runs for good yardage.
(Sanford Myers / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
19/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
20/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
21/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
22/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
25/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
26/29
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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)
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Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB great in photos
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.
Johnson, 40, played 10 NFL seasons with theTitans,New York JetsandArizona 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.
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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 Henryand 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 theCardinals.
"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."
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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
What is ALS?
ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig's disease.
According to theUnited States National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokethe degenerative disease "affects motor neurons ... the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing." ALS causes weakness in the muscles that gradually progresses and worsens. ALS eventually progresses to affect muscles needed for speaking, eating and breathing, making it a terminal disease.
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There is currently no known cure for ALS, but researchers have developed treatments that can slow the speed at which the disease progresses. According to the NIH, most people with ALS die "within 3-to-5 years of symptoms first appearing." One in 10 people suffering from ALS survive 10-plus years.
Titans owner releases statement on Chris Johnson's ALS battle
Amy Adams Strunk, the controlling owner of the Titans, released a statement on Monday, June 29 addressing Johnson's ALS diagnosis. Strunk underlined the influence Johnson made on the Tennessee franchise during his six seasons with the team.
"Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us," the statement reads. "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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"Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey. We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris."
