“Heartbreaking”: Julian Edelman, Antonio Brown and NFL world pay tribute to Chris Johnson as Titans great unveils ALS diagnosis
Chris Johnson, a former Tennessee Titans running back, used a speech-generating device built from recordings of his own voice to reveal that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 on Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
He did so alongside “GMA” co-anchor Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former defensive end.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson said. “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.”
TrendingJulian Edelman, retired three-time Super Bowl champion receiver with the New England Patriots, retweeted the interview and wrote:
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“Heartbreaking. Praying for Chris and his family. One of my favorite guys to watch and compete against, ultimate competitor.”
Antonio Brown, a retired All-Pro receiver, tweeted: “Prayers Up CJ2K.”
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor wrote, “CJ2k ‼️💪🏾🙏🏾.”
Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown sent prayer emojis.
NFL analyst Will Compton wrote, “Man this breaks my heart.”
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky called Johnson “a tremendous player,” adding he was “praying for Chris Johnson.”
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero posted “Prayers up for CJ2K.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive condition that attacks nerve cells and gradually strips the body of its ability to move, speak and breathe. There is no known cure.
Johnson is currently taking part in a clinical trial as part of his treatment.
In 2009, he rushed for 2,006 yards in a single season, the seventh-most in history, earning the nickname CJ2K. That same year, he broke the league’s single-season yards from scrimmage record with 2,509.
Chris Johnson On His ALS Battle: “I Chose To Fight”
Chris Johnson spoke about how he processed the diagnosis.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” he said. “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.”
Johnson finished his 10-season NFL career with 9,651 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns.