Real Football: Chris Johnson, ALS and reconciling the dark side of football
Heartbreaking news stopped all of us in our tracks this week. Chris Johnson — the breathtaking Tennessee Titans running back — revealed on “Good Morning America” that he has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was diagnosed in 2025 at the age of 39.
The disease is progressing rapidly. Johnson communicated during the ABC interview via an eye-tracking, speech-generating device. The entire interview is worth your time.
It’s devastating. It’s courageous. Johnson vows to fight the disease and raise as much awareness as he possibly can.
At one point during the conversation, Johnson notes…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.