Chris Johnson opens up about his heartbreaking ALS journey as former NFL star fights for more time with his wife and children

Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis has changed much of his life, but the former NFL star says it has not changed who he is. Diagnosed in May 2025 at 39, Johnson revealed the news publicly in June 2026. By September, ALS had taken away his ability to speak, while an eye-controlled device now helps him communicate. His wife, Brittany, is now his main caregiver as the family adjusts to a life they never expected.Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis and rapid health changesJohnson first noticed that something was wrong when his right hand became weaker and his grip did not feel normal. After testing, doctors diagnosed him with sporadic ALS in May 2025. He later told ABC’s Good Morning America that he wanted to share his story because it could help another person get diagnosed sooner, support research or give another family hope.In his September 2026 interview with Sports Illustrated, Johnson said he can no longer speak, walk without major help or keep his head fully upright. A tablet controlled by his eyes now allows him to communicate, while a CPAP machine helps with breathing. His family helps with feeding, changing and stretching.Johnson has also wondered whether his years in football had anything to do with his illness. However, he has said doctors have not told him that football caused his ALS or given him a clear reason for why he developed it. His doctors consider his case sporadic, meaning there is no known family history.Chris Johnson’s family, football legacy and fight for more timeBrittany Johnson has stayed beside her husband throughout the illness and now provides much of his daily care. In a recent People interview, she described the work as constant, while Chris said ALS has affected everyone around him. Their four children have become a major source of strength as the family deals with each new change.That focus on family is at the heart of Johnson’s message. In his Sports Illustrated interview, he spoke about wanting to see his daughter Honey grow up, watch his twin sons reach their goals and see his older son Lee become a doctor. He also wants more years with Brittany. “At the end of the day, I just want more time with the people I love,” Johnson told Sports Illustrated.That hope now sits beside a career built around speed and strength. The Tennessee Titans drafted Johnson in 2008, and he became one of the NFL’s stars. In 2009, he rushed for 2,006 yards, earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and set the still-standing single-season record of 2,509 yards from scrimmage. His career ended with 9,651 rushing yards.The Titans had planned to induct Johnson into their Ring of Honor on September 13, 2026, but postponed the ceremony after he and his family could not travel to Nashville. The team held a halftime tribute.For Johnson, the story now goes far beyond football records. “ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am,” he said on Good Morning America.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.