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Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis
The gist
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson went public with his ALS diagnosis on June 29.
The disease has taken his speech and revived debate over football's toll.
How it unfolded
- 2025Chris Johnson was diagnosed with ALS. During a spring break road trip, he noticed a water bottle felt 'kind of heavy' and his right hand had been strained for weeks.
- Jun 29, 2026Johnson first went public with his diagnosis in a 'Good Morning America' interview with Michael Strahan, saying he wished he had done so sooner.
- Jul 2026A study from Mass General Brigham, Boston University and the Concussion & CTE Foundation concluded NFL players face a 'three to four times' higher risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.