Chris Johnson, a three-time NFL Pro Bowl running back, delivered the heartbreaking news to Michael Strahan on Good Morning America on Monday. He disclosed that, less than ten years after ending an amazing ten-season career, he was afflicted with ALS.
Johnson revealed to the GMA co-anchor and New York Giants icon that he was diagnosed with the illness at the age of 39 last year. Johnson said to Strahan:
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,”.
“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 claimed he was in the prime of his life when he received the diagnosis. Johnson was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft and signed a one-day contract with them in 2017 so he could retire with his original team.
Before he unexpectedly noticed the first ALS sign, he had been exercising every day and enjoying time with his wife and four kids.
He stated:
“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,” “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.”
“It’s continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body”.
“Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she’d make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that.”
Brittany Johnson, his wife, believed it was the outcome of a long and demanding NFL career.
Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a degenerative neurological condition that ultimately results in paralysis.
It renders a person unable of breathing, swallowing, speaking, or moving. Although there isn’t a known cure for ALS, there are several therapies that can reduce the disease’s course. Before retiring in 2017, the former NFL standout running back amassed over 11,000 yards in his career.
Johnson earned the moniker CJ2K in 2009 after breaking the NFL single-season record with 2,509 scrimmage yards and rushing for an astounding 2,006 yards. With a career-high 14 touchdowns, he was voted the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Johnson played with the Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals during his ten years in the NFL.
