Overview
- Former NFL running back Chris Johnson publicly revealed on Monday that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and currently incurable nerve disease.
- Johnson says the illness has severely limited his body but not his sense of self, and he told interviewers he has chosen to keep fighting rather than give up.
- Reports say his condition has progressed to the point that he uses an eye-controlled speech-assist device and that his recorded voice was preserved for use with that technology; those technical details are drawn chiefly from People and related accounts.
- The Tennessee Titans issued a formal statement praising Johnson’s impact on the team and expressing sympathy, and former teammates and league figures have reacted with support.
- Johnson plans to use his platform to support research and encourage other patients, a disclosure that could spur more public attention, fundraising and scientific interest in ALS treatments.