Former NFL star Chris Johnson has revealed he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive and incurable condition affecting nerve cells that control muscle movement.
Johnson, now 40, said the first sign was weakness in his right hand and a gradual loss of grip strength. He explained that the disease has progressed much faster than he expected, changing his daily life in a short time.
Best known for his historic 2009 season with the Tennessee Titans—when he rushed for over 2,000 yards and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year—Johnson was once considered one of the fastest and most explosive running backs in the league.
He shared that just over a year ago, he was still able to lift his young daughter. Today, he said, even simple physical tasks have become impossible.
Despite the diagnosis, Johnson emphasized that his wife and family are giving him strength as he faces the disease.
ALS gradually damages motor neurons, leading to loss of movement, speech, swallowing, and eventually breathing. There is currently no cure.