Overview
- Johnson used a Good Morning America interview to disclose on Monday that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2025 after first noticing weakness in his right hand.
- The disease progressed quickly and now prevents him from speaking so he uses an eye‑triggered speech‑generating device programmed with recordings of his own voice.
- He and his doctors describe the case as sporadic ALS with no family history, and he is taking standard‑of‑care medications while participating in a clinical trial aimed at reducing inflammation.
- The Tennessee Titans and former teammates publicly offered support, family members are his primary caregivers, and his disclosure has prompted peers to reassess treatment options.
- ALS is a progressive, terminal neurological disease with no cure and typical survival measured in a few years after symptom onset, which is why Johnson says his public disclosure is meant to raise awareness and speed research.