Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS

Chris Johnson, one of the nine NFL players to rush over 2,000 yards in a season, has revealed he is battling ALS. This news impacted Ryan Fitzpatrick, Johnson’s former teammate at the Tennessee Titans. Although they shared one season, their bond remains strong.

Fitzpatrick discussed their relationship, saying, “He was a great teammate in that year. An incredibly talented player. We texted about a year ago. One of my significant memories is my 100th NFL touchdown pass to CJ2K. He signed the football, congratulating ‘my cool white boy.’ That gave me a lot of street credit.”

ALS is a tough diagnosis for Johnson and his loved ones. Fitzpatrick empathized, “His mind is intact, but his body might be failing. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

Research suggests a link between repetitive head trauma and ALS. NFL players face a fourfold increase in ALS risk compared to the general population.

Fitzpatrick valued his NFL experience, despite increased awareness of associated risks. He expressed willingness to play again, acknowledging football’s significant role in his life. He would support any of his children pursuing the sport. However, he acknowledged that age brings harsh realities.

“I’m 43 now. You face more challenges as you age. One of my high school friends also has ALS. Witnessing its impact first-hand is tough,” Fitzpatrick shared.

ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has no known cure. The disease progressively damages brain-to-muscle connections, leading to loss of critical functions like walking and breathing, according to the ALS Association.

Johnson’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2017, during which he played for the Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals. His impact on the game, despite this diagnosis, remains significant.