Former NFL running back Chris Johnson recently revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurological disease that slowly takes away a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow and eventually breathe.
Since his diagnosis, Johnson has faced the physical and emotional weight of a disease that continues to progress quickly. Meanwhile, players, media members and fans across the league have rallied around him, sharing heartfelt messages of support for the former Tennessee Titans star.
NFL Fans Cheer for Chris Johnson With Emotional Tribute
That support reached another level after “Sunday Night Football” on NBC shared a tribute video for Johnson. The footage brought back memories of his remarkable 2009 campaign, when he rushed for 2,006 yards, while also showing his current battle with ALS. The video included Johnson communicating through an eye-controlled speech device.
It also featured Titans broadcasters taking part in an ALS awareness campaign by dumping cold water on themselves. As the tribute spread across social media, more fans joined the conversation and shared emotional messages for Johnson.
“You are in my prayers, C2J Titans up; we all love you, Titans up,” one fan wrote.
You are my pray c2j titans up we all I love you titans up
— Ryan Dodd (@RyanDodd360830) August 7, 2026
Johnson was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 at age 39, and the disease has progressed rapidly. As a result, he can no longer speak and now relies on an eye-tracking device that turns his selections into speech.
“ALS is such a cruel disease,” one fan wrote, while another supporter said it was painful to see him in such a situation: “ALS is such a devastating disease. Hurts to see.”
ALS is such a devastating disease. Hurts to see.
— Jairon (@Jair1228G) August 7, 2026
Meanwhile, one fan called for the NFL community to bring back the spirit of an earlier awareness campaign, writing, “The ice bucket challenge was corny and lame. Do it over.”
The ice bucket challenge was corny and lame. Do it over
— 🤷🏼♂️ (@Premo74) August 7, 2026
That message became even more meaningful when the NBC “Sunday Night Football” crew, including Mike Tomlin, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, and Maria Taylor, completed the Ice Bucket Challenge in Johnson’s honor live on television. Tomlin was also seen rocking Johnson’s Titans jersey in the NBC booth.
POWERFUL: The NBC SNF crew of Mike Tomlin, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, and Maria Taylor completed the Ice Bucket Challenge live on TV in honor of #NFL legend Chris Johnson, who is battling the disease.
🙏🙏🙏
An amazing way to show support for CJ2K. pic.twitter.com/QxO2f3Elxq
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) August 7, 2026
During an interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, Johnson also opened up about his struggles with ALS. He said weakness in his right hand first raised concerns. Doctors later determined he has sporadic ALS, the most common form, despite no family history.
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Initially, his wife, Brittany Johnson, thought football’s physical toll caused the weakness. However, his outlook changed after watching late actor Eric Dane give an interview before Dane died from ALS in February.
Johnson disclosed the incident because he feels his story could help others recognize the disease sooner.
“If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, then it’s worth it,” Johnson said.
Unfortunately, ALS still has no cure. Available treatments can slow its progression and help patients maintain their quality of life. For now, Johnson and his family continue to face a difficult battle, and the NFL community continues to stand behind them.
