Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, known as “CJ2K” for his record-breaking 2,006 rushing yards in 2009 with the Tennessee Titans, has publicly shared his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The three-time Pro Bowl player was diagnosed at age 39 in 2025 and is now 40.

Johnson revealed the news in a pre-taped interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America, which aired on June 29, 2026. Despite the challenges, he emphasized his unchanged identity: “I want people to know that I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am.”

Early Symptoms and Diagnosis

Johnson first noticed symptoms like weakness in his right hand and reduced grip strength while living an active lifestyle. He exercised daily and spent time with his wife, Brittany, and their four young children. Initially, the couple attributed the issues to the physical toll of his NFL career.

After multiple rounds of testing, doctors confirmed sporadic ALS — the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases and occurring without a known family history. Johnson recalled the difficult conversation: doctors mentioned medications that might extend life by a few months and advised the family to “get our affairs in order.”

Rapid Progression and Current Reality

The disease has progressed faster than Johnson anticipated. Just over a year after diagnosis, he now relies on a speech-generating device controlled by his eyes to communicate. Doctors recorded his voice beforehand, so the device sounds like him.

He shared a poignant example: “Just over a year ago I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she could make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that.”

Despite physical limitations, Johnson stresses that his mind remains sharp. “People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you’re not the same person. I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”

Treatment, Hope, and Family Support

Johnson is under the care of Dr. Merritt Cudkowicz at Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. He follows standard ALS medications and participated in a clinical trial targeting inflammation, which his doctor believes has been helpful.

He credits his wife Brittany and their children as his primary motivation. Brittany has become his primary caregiver, acknowledging the heavy emotional and physical load but affirming her commitment. Johnson chose to fight rather than give up: “You have two choices: you can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.”

Raising Awareness

By going public, Johnson hopes to encourage earlier diagnoses, inspire research, and offer hope to others. “If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or gives another family hope, then it’s worth it,” he said.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, progressively destroys nerve cells controlling muscles, eventually affecting movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. There is currently no cure, but ongoing research gives Johnson and his family continued optimism.

Johnson’s story highlights the devastating impact of ALS on anyone — even elite athletes in their prime — while showcasing remarkable resilience, family strength, and advocacy in the face of adversity.