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NFL’s Chris Johnson Announces ALS Diagnosis, Seeks Awareness

6/29/2026

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Summary

Chris Johnson ALS

Chris Johnson, NFL running back, announced on June 29 2026 that he has ALS, diagnosed at age 39.
He first noticed a weaker grip in his right hand, cannot hold a cup or lift his 7-year-old daughter, and uses a speech device in a trial of three ALS drugs.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) pledged support for Johnson, who said he wants his story to raise awareness.

Summary

Shaw Faces ALS

Tim Shaw, a former Titans linebacker diagnosed in 2014, became the franchise’s second publicly announced ALS case.
Former NFL players Steve Gleason, Tim Green and Dwight Clark also have ALS, showing impact on football alumni.
NIH reports most ALS patients die within three to five years of symptoms, with 10 % living past ten years.
About 90 % of ALS cases are sporadic and lack a family history, matching Johnson’s diagnosis.

Summary

Johnson Fights ALS

Chris Johnson and Tim Shaw, Tennessee Titans teammates, were diagnosed with ALS before 40, a risk of about 1 in 400.
Dr. Merit Cudkowicz agreed to explore experimental treatments for Johnson, showing specialist willingness for novel approaches.
Johnson’s speech device uses an AI-cloned voice and eye-tracking to let him speak.
The New York Jets pledged support for Johnson’s family while researchers cite progression as a call to speed ALS trials.

Summary

Johnson Fund Launch

A research fund honoring Chris Johnson was launched at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS.
Dr. Merit Cudkowicz will supervise the fund’s projects while Johnson participates in a trial adding an inflammation-reducing therapy to his three standard ALS drugs.
Brittany Johnson calls her primary-caregiver role a heavy workload she feels called to do, hoping that sharing his story will raise awareness and direct donations to the fund.

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Chris Johnson ALS

Chris Johnson, NFL running back, announced on June 29 2026 that he has ALS, diagnosed at age 39.
He first noticed a weaker grip in his right hand, cannot hold a cup or lift his 7-year-old daughter, and uses a speech device in a trial of three ALS drugs.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) pledged support for Johnson, who said he wants his story to raise awareness.

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