Former pro running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis in interview

 Former pro running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis in interview

Chris Johnson with the Titans, per profootballhistory.com

Former pro running back Chris Johnson revealed in a June 29, 2026 interview with Michael Strahan that he was diagnosed with ALS last year at the age of 39. 

Johnson joined “Good Morning America” for a June 29 interview and revealed that at the age of 39-years-old he was diagnosed with ALS. He was interviewed by former NFL star Michael Strahan. Johnson revealed that he is now going public about the diagnosis to share his story and help others. During his interview Johnson can be seen using an eye controlled computer device to talk as his speech has been affected.  

“If sharing my story helps one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, it’s worth it,” said Johnson 

During his interview, Johnson told Strahan that the doctors believe he has “sporadic” ALS which means there is no history of ALS in his family. According to an article by scienceinsights.org, about 90-95% of cases are listed as sporadic. 

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually paralysis, per mayoclinic.com. 

 He was joined by his wife Brittany Johnson who said that she hasn’t left his side since his diagnosis last year. She also shared insight as to how it has changed Chris’ life and their families life forever. 

“All I could think about was our kids and how young they are,” Brittany said to Strahan. “You’re in denial, you want it to be anything else, you want the doctors to be wrong. The life that we previously had is a thing of the past.” 

“But we’re still hopeful, we’re hopeful that a breakthrough will happen or that god, a miracle will happen, “ Brittany continued.