06/29/26 11:04:00
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06/29 11:03 CDT Former NFL RB Chris Johnson, known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yards
for Titans in '09, reveals he has ALS
Former NFL RB Chris Johnson, known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yards for Titans in
'09, reveals he has ALS
By The Associated Press
Chris Johnson, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000
yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years with
the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he
has ALS.
Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last played in 2017 for the
Arizona Cardinals. He said on ABC's " Good Morning America " that he was
diagnosed with the fatal nervous system disease last year.
"Honestly, I don't know if you really fully process it," he said, using his
eyes to communicate through a computerized speech-generating device during the
interview with Michael Strahan. "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."
Johnson, a first-round draft pick out of East Carolina in 2008, rushed for
7,965 yards over six seasons with the Titans. The native of Orlando, Florida,
had 2,006 yards in 2009 to earn the nickname "CJ2K" and ingratiate himself with
the Tennessee fan base.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, in a statement released Monday, said the
organization is holding Johnson, his wife and four children close.
"Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into
words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the
field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community
have written him permanently into the story of this franchise," Adams Strunk
said. "Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris
every step of the way throughout his journey."
ALS, which is an acronym for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is commonly
known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects
nerve cell communication with muscles throughout the body. The disease leads to
muscle weakness and can cause deterioration of the ability to move, speak and
breathe.
Tim Shaw, who had a six-year career as a linebacker in the NFL and was a
teammate of Johnson's with the Titans from 2010-12, was diagnosed in 2014 at
age 30 with ALS and is still alive.
Johnson, who also played one season for the New York Jets, first noticed
weakness in his right hand and trouble with his grip. He was still working out
daily a year ago. Now he can't hold a cup or speak on his own.
"Your mind stays sharp. People sometimes look at a person with a physical
disability and assume you're not still the same person inside," Johnson said.
"I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just
doesn't cooperate."
Johnson was joined for the interview by his wife, Brittany, who has become his
primary caregiver.
"She hasn't left my side through any of this. My kids are also a huge part of
why I keep going," Johnson said. "Every day I wake up wanting more time with
them to make more memories and just be their dad. They give me a reason to keep
fighting."
Johnson has been participating in experimental treatments with the goal of
extending his life and helping the medical field move closer to a cure for the
disease.
"If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or
gives another family hope," he said, "then it's worth it."
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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