Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed With ALS

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has disclosed that he is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease that can impair movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. Johnson has said that doctors repeatedly raised his football career as a possible contributing factor, but he acknowledges that no one can establish a definitive cause and that more research is needed. Reports describe his condition as severely advanced, requiring extensive assistance, respiratory support and eye-controlled communication. Johnson is focusing on spending time with his family while raising awareness of ALS, and the NFL has revived the Ice Bucket Challenge to support that effort. The Titans are also set to induct him into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, recognizing his career as one of the team’s most accomplished running backs.