Former NFL star Chris Johnson announced on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday, June 29, that he had been diagnosed with ALS.
But the former running back isn’t running away from the battle ahead of him, saying that he intends to fight the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson said regarding his ALS diagnosis. “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.”
In an interview with Michael Strahan on the show, Johnson opened up about the diagnosis, saying he was diagnosed last year at 39.
Chris Johnson on diagnosis: ‘It can happen to someone who never expected it’
“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.
“That’s one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it.”
Johnson played 10 seasons in the NFL, ending his career with 19 games over three seasons with the Cardinals, where he ran for 1,023 yards and four touchdowns from 2015-17, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
His best season came in 2009, when he rushed for 2,006 yards in 358 carries with the Tennessee Titans. He was the sixth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. There are now nine players who have accomplished the feat.
FULL INTERVIEW: Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals his ALS diagnosis at 39. pic.twitter.com/5Pb8YAQ5x0
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 29, 2026
Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans react to Chris Johnson’s announcement
On social media, the Cardinals and Titans were among those to post messages of support for Johnson in the wake of his announcement.
The Cardinals’ post said: “The Cardinals join the entire football community in sending strength, love and support to Chris Johnson. We know he will face this latest challenge with the same tenacity and toughness as he has all others.”
The Cardinals join the entire football community in sending strength, love and support to Chris Johnson. We know he will face this latest challenge with the same tenacity and toughness as he has all others. pic.twitter.com/mjyicUPr0E
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 29, 2026
Titans owner with statement on @ChrisJohnson28‘s ALS diagnosis pic.twitter.com/mxkUYJjyg0
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) June 29, 2026
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former Cardinals RB reveals ALS diagnosis on ‘Good Morning America’
