Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he appeared on Good Morning America.
The announcement came through a statement shared by Johnson and his family, who said they hope their story raises awareness and encourages support for others living with the condition.
Former NFL running back revealed during an interview with Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan that he was diagnosed with ALS last year at the age of 39. “There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson said in the interview. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.”
“I first noticed weakness in my 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,” the former New York Jets RB added.
Johnson, who spent 10 seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, said the diagnosis has changed his life but has also given him a new sense of purpose.
Actually, it broke my heart when Johnson added, “Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it. 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.”
He thanked his family, friends, and supporters for standing by him and asked for privacy as he adjusts to life with ALS. Johnson also said he hopes sharing his diagnosis will help increase awareness of the disease and inspire support for ongoing research aimed at finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
But as a curious football fan, let’s dive deep to know what is actually an ALS disease that former NFL RB Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with.
What is ALS?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is basically a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the legendary New York Yankees first baseman who was diagnosed with the condition in 1939.
According to the ALS Association, the disease gradually destroys motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. As these nerve cells deteriorate and die, the brain loses its ability to send signals to muscles.
The hardest part to register is that, over time, people with ALS experience increasing muscle weakness that can affect walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
Symptoms or early signs of ALS may include:
1. Muscle weakness in an arm or leg
2. Muscle twitching or cramps
3. Difficulty gripping objects
4. Slurred speech
5. Trouble swallowing
6. Fatigue and muscle stiffness
As the disease progresses, muscle weakness spreads to other parts of the body. Most people eventually require assistance with mobility, communication, and breathing.
Importantly, ALS typically does not affect a person’s memory, intelligence, or awareness, meaning many patients remain mentally sharp throughout the course of the disease.
But the exact cause of ALS remains unknown in most cases.
Medical experts estimate that around 90 percent of ALS cases occur sporadically, meaning there is no clear family history. The remaining cases are inherited through genetic mutations passed down within families.
Researchers continue to study genetic, environmental, and biological factors that may contribute to the disease.
Is there a cure for ALS?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for ALS.
However, several FDA-approved medications can help slow disease progression in some patients or manage symptoms. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary care team that includes neurologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory specialists, and nutrition experts.
Supportive care can significantly improve quality of life by helping patients maintain mobility, communication, and independence for as long as possible.
By sharing his diagnosis publicly, Johnson has joined other athletes and public figures who have used their platform to raise awareness of ALS. His announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and the football community while drawing renewed attention to a disease that continues to affect thousands of people each year.