Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, renowned for his exceptional career and a remarkable season where he rushed for over 2,000 yards, has opened up about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed in May 2025 at the age of 39, Johnson is using his platform to raise awareness about the disease while sharing the impact it has had on his life and family.
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Now 41, Johnson describes how despite the physical limitations imposed by ALS, his sense of identity remains intact. “ALS may change what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am at my core,” he reflected in a recent interview with PEOPLE. His determination to face this life-altering condition stems from his love for his wife, Brittany, and their four children—20-year-old Lee, 14-year-old twins CJ and Kaden, and 8-year-old Honey.
The interview, which took place at his home near Orlando, featured a heartwarming moment with his son CJ, who jokingly held up an oversized Supreme sock to ask his father if he could wear it. Johnson, now reliant on a speech-generating device that tracks his eye movements to assist with communication, exemplifies the emotional challenges many families face when dealing with such a diagnosis. “I’m still a husband and a dad,” he stated, emphasising that ALS affects not just the individual diagnosed but the entire family unit.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, Johnson recounted the moments leading up to that fateful day in the doctor’s office. After experiencing a weakness in his right hand and what he thought was merely a persistent cough, he was presented with the life-changing news. “The doctor handed me a packet of papers and said, ‘This could be something serious,’ and walked out of the room,” Johnson recalled. This unsettling moment saw him immediately searching the internet for information, leading to feelings of confusion and worry for his loved ones. “I kept thinking, ‘This has got to be wrong,’” he remarked.
The progressive nature of ALS, which progressively destroys the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement, has significant implications for Johnson’s family. As he continues to navigate the challenges of his condition, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his family’s wellbeing. His wife Brittany, aged 39, has also seen her life transformed profoundly by the demands of supporting Johnson through this ordeal.
The former athlete, who rose to fame with the Tennessee Titans and was later with teams like the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, has spoken about the impact his diagnosis has had on his children as well. Despite his physical difficulties, he is proud to see his sons carrying on a passion for football. This connection to the sport that defined so much of his life continues to be a source of joy and encouragement for him and his family.
Johnson’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of resilience. While ALS has brought numerous challenges, it has not diminished his spirit. “There’s no clocking out from it,” he explains, highlighting the constant obligations that come with living with such an illness. The daily triumphs and the struggles are faced not just by him but by everyone in his household.
As Chris Johnson continues his fight against ALS, his story resonates with many who are navigating similar circumstances. His frankness about the realities of his condition offers an important perspective on the broader implications of motor neuron diseases, as well as hope for those who are also affected. In each struggle and small victory, he shows that while physical challenges may arise, the essence of who we are remains unchanged.