Chris Johnson opens up about his heartbreaking ALS journey as former NFL star fights for more time with his wife and children
Diagnosed in May 2025 at 39, Johnson revealed the news publicly in June 2026. After testing, doctors diagnosed him with sporadic ALS in May 2025. In his September 2026 interview with Sports Illustrated, Johnson said he can no longer speak, walk without major help or keep his head fully upright.
Because it could help another person get diagnosed sooner, support research or give another family hope, he later told ABC’s Good Morning America that he wanted to share his story.
Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis has changed much of his life, but the former NFL star says it has not changed who he is. However, he has said doctors have not told him that football caused his ALS or given him a clear reason for why he developed it. In a recent People interview, she described the work as constant, while Chris said ALS has affected everyone around him. “At the end of the day, I just want more time with the people I love,” Johnson told Sports Illustrated.
By September, ALS had taken away his ability to speak, while an eye-controlled device now helps him communicate. His wife, Brittany, is now his main caregiver as the family adjusts to a life they never expected. Johnson first noticed that something was wrong when his right hand became weaker and his grip did not feel normal. A tablet controlled by his eyes now allows him to communicate, while a CPAP machine helps with breathing. His family helps with feeding, changing and stretching. Johnson has also wondered whether his years in football had anything to do with his illness. Brittany Johnson has stayed beside her husband throughout the illness and now provides much of his daily care. Their four children have become a major source of strength as the family deals with each new change. That focus on family is at the heart of Johnson’s message. In his Sports Illustrated interview, he spoke about wanting to see his daughter Honey grow up, watch his twin sons reach their goals and see his older son Lee become a doctor. He also wants more years with Brittany.
Chris Johnson’s Historic NFL Career Highlights
Chris Johnson, drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2008, quickly emerged as a standout player in the NFL. In 2009, he achieved a remarkable feat by rushing for 2,006 yards, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Additionally, he set the single-season record for total yards from scrimmage with 2,509 yards, a record that remains unbroken to this day. Johnson’s career has been characterized by his exceptional speed and strength, solidifying his status as one of the league’s stars.