Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Shares Heartbreaking Update On His Battle With ALS

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Former NFL star Chris Johnson opened up about how much ALS has changed his life. The former Titans running back, once famous for his crazy speed on the field, now uses an eye-controlled tablet just to talk and needs a hand with everyday tasks.

Johnson talked to People about his day-to-day life with his wife, Brittany, who has been taking care of him for the last 17 months. He pointed out that the disease takes a toll on everyone around him, not just himself.

“ALS doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed – it affects the whole family,” Johnson shared.

Now 41, he relies on a CPAP machine to help him breathe, and Brittany and his family help him eat, get dressed, and stretch. He said the toughest part of it all is that his mind is still sharp as ever, even as his body slowly loses the ability to move.

Chris Johnson Remains Focused On His Family

Johnson first noticed weakness in his right hand before doctors diagnosed him with ALS in May 2025, according to TMZ. The disease has progressed quickly since then.

Johnson can no longer speak on his own. He also cannot hold a cup or lift his young daughter. The changes have forced him to depend heavily on his family.

His health also affected his Tennessee Titans Ring of Honor plans. The team postponed his Sept. 13 induction ceremony just two days before the event. Johnson and his family could no longer make the trip to Nashville.

Johnson has also wondered if his years of football hits played a role in his illness. However, doctors have not linked his football career to his ALS diagnosis.

Even with everything going on, Johnson is keeping his eyes on the future. He still cheers on his sons when they play football, but he makes sure they know the risks and take good care of their bodies.

Johnson said his treatments are helping slow things down, and his biggest goal is simply getting as many good years as he can with Brittany and the kids.

He wants to be there to watch his boys grow up, and he dreams of walking his daughter down the aisle when the time comes. For him, being there for those family moments is what keeps him fighting every day.