Story perspectives

Titans induct Chris Johnson at halftime, promote ALS awareness

7/18/2026

Summary

Chris Johnson Inducted

Titans will induct former running back Chris Johnson into the Ring of Honor at the halftime of the Sept. 13, 2026 home opener versus the New York Jets.
Johnson becomes the 20th inductee and will share the honor later in the season with posthumous inductee Dave McGinnis.
After disclosing his ALS diagnosis in 2024, Johnson now uses a speech-generating device to raise awareness, promote early detection and spur research.

Summary

Chris Johnson 2K

Chris Johnson’s 2009 season produced 2,006 rushing yards, making him the sixth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards.
He earned the nickname “CJ2K” from that total, a moniker that has endured as a hallmark of his speed-focused style.
The Titans will open on September 13 against the New York Jets, the franchise Johnson joined in 2014, creating a personal narrative for the halftime tribute.

Summary

Chris Johnson ALS

The Ice Bucket Challenge was revised to raise money for ALS research after Johnson’s disclosure.
Johnson’s Good Morning America interview aired on June 29, 2025, where he announced a diagnosis of sporadic ALS at age 39.
The ALS Association said the disease typically shortens life expectancy to two-to-five years.
The Titans’ Ring of Honor added voice Mike Keith in September 2025 and will later induct assistant coach Dave McGinnis posthumously during the same season.

Summary

Eddie Johnson Inducted

Robert Saleh will coach his first Tennessee Titans game on September 13, 2026, against his former team, the New York Jets.
No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate will debut in the Week 1 contest.
Former Titan Eddie Johnson will become the 14th inductee into the Ring of Honor.
Johnson, who retired with 9,651 rushing yards, said collaborative doctors and expanding clinical trials give his family hope for future ALS treatments.

History

Historical Context

In June 1939 the Mayo Clinic diagnosed Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; two weeks later, on July 4 he addressed 61,808 fans at Yankee Stadium, announcing his retirement after a 2,130-game streak. His number 4 became baseball’s first retired jersey, establishing a template for ALS awareness that today athletes such as Titans running back Chris Johnson continue.

1 of 5

Chris Johnson Inducted

Titans will induct former running back Chris Johnson into the Ring of Honor at the halftime of the Sept. 13, 2026 home opener versus the New York Jets.
Johnson becomes the 20th inductee and will share the honor later in the season with posthumous inductee Dave McGinnis.
After disclosing his ALS diagnosis in 2024, Johnson now uses a speech-generating device to raise awareness, promote early detection and spur research.

1 / 5