Chris Johnson, the former Tennessee Titans star known across the league as “CJ2K,” revealed on Good Morning America that he has ALS at 39.
Johnson said the disease has advanced to the point that he needed a speech generation device for the interview with Michael Strahan. Speaking with his wife, Brittany, beside him, Johnson described the moment he learned the diagnosis: "Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said in an interview alongside his wife, Brittany.
"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."
He also said there is no history of ALS in his family.
The Titans responded with support from owner Amy Adams Strunk, who posted a statement on social media praising Johnson’s leadership inside the Tennessee locker room and his influence throughout the Nashville community. Strunk said the organization will "support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey."
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As motor neurons die, everyday functions such as walking, chewing and breathing become harder, and the illness typically keeps advancing until death. There is no known cure.
Johnson’s place in Titans history is already secure. The former first-round pick out of East Carolina arrived with a then-record 4.24 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and lived up to the hype. He spent six of his 10 NFL seasons in Tennessee, finishing fourth in franchise history in rushing yards and second in rushing yards per game, trailing only Hall of Famer Earl Campbell.
His production was massive: just under 10,000 yards from scrimmage and 58 touchdowns with the Titans. And his second season remains the kind of year that still jumps off the page, when he joined the small group of just nine players ever to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
Now, Johnson begins a very different fight, one that will have the full backing of the Titans and plenty of support from the fan base he gave so many unforgettable moments to during his career.
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