Former Titans star Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis: 'I chose to fight'

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has ALS. The running back revealed his diagnosis during an interview with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" on Monday.

Johnson, 40, said he was diagnosed with the disease — also known as Lou Gehrig's disease — last year. The disease has progressed rapidly, with Johnson using his eyes to operate a speech-generating device to speak to Strahan for the interview.

Johnson said he wanted to share his story to potentially help others and inspire more research on curing the disease.

"If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or gives another family hope, it's worth it," Johnson said.

Johnson said he first noticed something was off when he started experiencing weakness in his right hand. His grip didn't feel right and he didn't feel as strong. Johnson's wife, Brittany, initially thought Johnson was dealing with the aftereffects of his football career, but the running back was eventually diagnosed with ALS.

Johnson said he was initially told he could go on medication that could extend his life a few months. He said he and Brittany were told to "get our affairs in order." Johnson said it was "hard hearing that."

But Johnson saw an interview with actor Eric Dane — who was also diagnosed with ALS last year — on "Good Morning America." Johnson got in touch with Dane's doctor to try more experimental treatments "that might help and advance research," Johnson said.

Upon being diagnosed, Johnson said he felt like he had two choices.

"You can give up or you can fight," Johnson said. "I chose to fight."

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk issued a statement following Johnson's story airing on "Good Morning America." In it, Strunk said the team will "support Chris every step of the way in his journey."

Johnson, a first-round pick out of East Carolina in 2008, achieved NFL stardom when he became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in season. He also broke Marshall Faulk's record for yards from scrimmage that season with 2,509, a mark that still stands.

That season gave Johnson his CJ2K nickname, as well as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. His calling card was blazing speed, having tied the NFL Combine 40-yard dash record at 4.24 seconds as a prospect.

Johnson spent the first six seasons of his career with the Titans, logging 1,000 yards every year. He was eventually released in 2014 and played four more seasons for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

He announced his retirement in 2018, with 9,651 career rushing yards in 10 seasons. He remains the only player in NFL history with six touchdown runs of more than 80 yards.

Johnson joins an unfortunately long list of former NFL players to be diagnosed with ALS, with Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Steve McMichael dying of the disease last year. Steve Gleason, who announced his diagnosis in 2011, has earned a Congressional Gold Medal for his incredible work contributing to awareness.