Steve Gleason wasted no time reaching out after Chris Johnson revealed he has ALS, and the former Saints great made sure his message carried both empathy and urgency.
Johnson said this week in an interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America that he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2025. Gleason, who has lived with ALS since his own diagnosis in 2011, responded with a statement on Twitter/X and Instagram that spoke directly to Johnson and to everyone facing the disease.
“Chris is my NFL brother, but more importantly, he is my fellow human. When ALS enters your life, it is a relentless tsunami.
I want Chris and his family to know they are not alone. We are here for him.
Every person living with ALS has a story, a family, a purpose, and a future that matters. Chris has spent his life showing strength, speed, and heart.
Now he and everyone diagnosed with ALS deserve all of that strength, heart, and urgency returned to them.”
Gleason’s support comes from hard-earned experience. Since his diagnosis, he has spent the last 15 years turning that fight into action through Team Gleason, the foundation he created to help people with ALS live better, fuller lives. The organization says it has provided more than $65 million in support, helping with adventure, technology, equipment and care services for people and families dealing with the disease.
Johnson, meanwhile, said the illness has already taken away his ability to speak on his own. He now uses a computerized speech-generating device to communicate, and he also said he is unable to hold a cup.
“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.”
He also said there is no family history of ALS. “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.”
For Johnson, the diagnosis has brought a harsh new reality. For Gleason, it’s another chance to do what he has done for years: remind people with ALS that they are not facing it alone.
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