Chris Johnson, the former NFL running back known as CJ2K for his 2,000-yard season, revealed on Monday that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you really fully process it,” he said during a televised interview on ABC's "Good Morning America. He said the diagnosis came last year. He added that after the initial shock, he faced a choice about how to respond to the diagnosis.
Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the first round out of East Carolina in 2008. He is best known for his 2009 season with the Tennessee Titans, when he rushed for 2,006 yards and earned the nickname CJ2K.
He also played for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals before retiring after the 2017 season with 9,651 career rushing yards and 55 touchdowns.
Johnson first noticed changes in his body when he experienced weakness in his right hand and a weaker grip. He was still working out daily a year ago, but now he can't hold a cup or speak on his own.
The disease has progressed over the past year, limiting his movement and speech. He used a speech-generating device during the interview.
“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise," the statement said.
“Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey."
"If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope," Johnson said, "it is worth it."
The condition leads to progressive muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and in later stages difficulty speaking and breathing. There is no cure.
“Your mind stays sharp. People sometimes look at a person with a physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside,” Johnson said. “I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”
Johnson was joined in the interview by his wife, Brittany, who is now his primary caregiver.
“She hasn’t left my side through any of this. My kids are also a huge part of why I keep going,” Johnson said. “Every day I wake up wanting more time with them to make more memories and just be their dad. They give me a reason to keep fighting.”
Johnson is participating in experimental treatments aimed at extending his life and advancing research toward a cure.
“If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or gives another family hope,” he said, “then it's worth it.”