Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson disclosed his ALS diagnosis during a Monday interview with ABC's Good Morning America. The 39-year-old former NFL star, known as CJ2K after rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009, used a speech-generating device to share his story. Johnson revealed doctors diagnosed him with sporadic ALS in 2025, emphasizing there's no family history of the disease.

Johnson played ten seasons in the NFL with Tennessee, New York and Arizona, earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 when he set the single-season yards from scrimmage record with 2,509 total yards. His wife Brittany initially believed his weakening grip stemmed from football-related injuries rather than a neurological condition. The progression has been rapid - Johnson noted he couldn't lift his daughter for her birthday wish just over a year after experiencing symptoms.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement praising Johnson's leadership on the field and in the Nashville community, vowing organizational support throughout his journey. The Jets also expressed support for their former player. Johnson is participating in a clinical trial as part of his treatment while advocating for ALS awareness.

By sharing his diagnosis publicly, Johnson aims to educate others about ALS while maintaining his identity beyond physical limitations. He emphasized that despite his body not cooperating, he remains the same person who dreamed and loved his family throughout his NFL career.