TL;DR
- Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS at 39.
- He shares his symptoms and journey.
- Johnson emphasizes the importance of ALS research.
- His family plays a crucial role in his fight.
- He aims to raise awareness about the disease.
In a heart-wrenching revelation that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, former NFL star Chris Johnson, known for his explosive speed and agility on the field, has announced he is battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At just 39 years old, Johnson shared his diagnosis during an emotional interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, revealing that he was diagnosed last year while in the prime of his life.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson explained, detailing how his doctors believe he has what is termed sporadic ALS, a form of the disease that strikes without warning. “That’s one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it.” The former running back, who racked up over 11,000 total offensive yards during his NFL career, first noticed something was off when he felt weakness in his right hand. “At first, it was little things like my grip didn’t feel right and I wasn’t as strong as I’ve always been,” he recalled.
His wife, Brittany Johnson, initially thought the symptoms were due to his years of playing football. “I thought because of football and, you know, his career, that it had to be something with that,” she said. But as the symptoms progressed, the reality of ALS set in. The degenerative neurological disorder can lead to paralysis and affects a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow, and even breathe. The National Institutes of Health reports that most people diagnosed with ALS succumb to respiratory failure within three to five years of the onset of symptoms.
When Johnson received his diagnosis, he described the experience as a “shock”. The doctor informed him that a medication might extend his life by a few months and suggested he and Brittany should “get our affairs in order.” “Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson 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.” And fight he has, with the support of his family fueling his determination.
After watching a segment featuring ABC News’ Diane Sawyer and the late actor Eric Dane, who also battled ALS, Johnson reached out to Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, a leading ALS researcher. “After watching ‘Good Morning America’ and seeing Dr. Merit with Eric Dane, we reached out to her,” he said. “She was willing to think more creatively, offering experimental treatments that might help and advance research.” Johnson has since participated in a clinical trial that may have positively impacted his condition.
However, the disease has progressed rapidly, and he now relies on a speech-generating device to communicate. “It’s continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined,” he lamented. “Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter for her birthday. Today, I couldn’t do that.” His family has been a pillar of strength throughout this ordeal, with Brittany stating, “Our life has shifted so much. It’s a heavy workload, but I have no doubt that this is what I was called to do.”
Chris Johnson is using his platform to raise awareness about ALS and the urgent need for research. He has established an effort to support ALS research at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, led by Dr. Cudkowicz. “I can’t even hold a cup if I try, and that’s despite being diagnosed relatively early and doing everything we can, including participating in multiple experimental treatments,” he said. “That’s why early detection, more research, and better treatments are so important. We have to give people a better chance than what’s available today.”
Despite the physical challenges, Johnson wants the world to know he’s still the same person he was before the diagnosis. “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,” he stated. “People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside. I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.” Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of community support in the face of adversity.