Former ECU, NFL star Chris Johnson reveals ‘shocking’ ALS diagnosis. What we know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Johnson, now 40, said he was diagnosed with ALS last year at age 39.
- Johnson is in a clinical trial and taking three medications while raising awareness.
- The former running back was an ECU standout before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick.
Former East Carolina and Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is making headlines again, but this time it’s not for his athletic plays on the field.
Johnson, 40, announced during an interview with Good Morning America he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Pirates’ career leader in touchdowns scored said he received the diagnosis last year, at age 39.
Johnson’s diagnosis stunned him and his family. He is the first person to develop the disease.
“There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson told GMA. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.”
In the interview, Johnson said he first noticed weakness in his right hand. His grip “didn’t feel right” and it wasn’t as strong as it had been, despite remaining active after his NFL retirement.
His wife, Brittany, said she thought it might be a pinched nerve or another health condition caused by or related to his football career. Johnson recorded for more than 11,000 yards — including 9,600 rushing — during his 10-year NFL career. He also ran for nearly 3,000 rushing yards and more than 2,700 kickoff return yards during his career at ECU.
He was originally given a few months to live. The family sought care from Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, who treated the late actor Eric Dane before his death in February. Johnson is taking three different medications while participating in a clinical trial to help study and treat the disease.
The disease, however, has spread rapidly and Johnson already uses a device, which uses his recorded voice, to help him speak. ALS is a neurological disorder that causes paralysis. It impacts a person’s ability to move, talk, swallow and breathe.
“It’s continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body,” he said. “Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter, so she’d make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn’t do that.”
Johnson is now using his platform to raise awareness about the disease and push for additional research. There is no cure, but treatments can help slow the disease progression.
Johnson also wants to remind people that it hasn’t changed who he is; he’s still a fighter and his passions remain the same.
“I want people to know that I’m still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am,” he said. “People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside. I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”
Johnson scored 44 touchdowns during his college career and scored 24 in 2007, his senior season. Both statistics lead ECU’s all-time records. He was a two-time All-Conference USA first team selection and Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2007.
The Tennessee Titans selected Johnson as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the program’s second-ever first-round pick. The Dallas Cowboys selected Robert Jones, who was also taken at No. 24, in 1992.
Johnson retired from the NFL at the conclusion of the 2017 season. He spent six years with the Titans, recording at least 1,000 rushing yards each season, before he was traded to the New York Jets. Johnson spent one season with the Jets before playing his final three years at Arizona. He did not record fewer than 600 rushing yards until the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
During his career, Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. He notched a single-season NFL record 2,509 yards from scrimmage and 2,006 rushing yards. He is one of nine NFL players to surpass 2,000 rushing yards, earning him the nickname CJ2K.
Johnson was inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 and finished his communications degree in 2020.
“We are heartbroken to learn of Chris Johnson’s diagnosis,” ECU Athletics posted on social media. “Chris is one of the greatest players in the history of East Carolina University and someone who has inspired Pirate Nation through his determination, work ethic and perseverance throughout his life.
“While this diagnosis presents an unimaginable challenge, anyone who knows Chris understands the strength, courage and competitive spirit he possesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris, his wife, Brittany, their children and the entire Johnson family. The ECU community stands firmly behind him and will support him throughout this fight.”
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Former ECU, NFL star Chris Johnson reveals ‘shocking’ ALS diagnosis. What we know."
