Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS

The revelation that Chris Johnson, one of the exclusive group of nine NFL players who rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season, has been diagnosed with ALS has shocked the football community. Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played for the Tennessee Titans alongside Johnson, shared the emotional impact of the news.

A Special Connection

Despite spending only one season with Johnson, Fitzpatrick holds fond memories of their time together. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Fitzpatrick recalled, “He was a great teammate and a tremendously talented player on the field.” The two exchanged messages about a year ago, including Fitzpatrick’s memory of his 100th NFL touchdown pass being caught by Johnson. Johnson had gifted him a signed football with a playful message.

To my cool white boy. Congrats on number 100.

Fitzpatrick added, “The street credit from being called a ‘cool white boy’ by Chris Johnson has always been special to me.”

The Challenge of ALS

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a challenging condition. Fitzpatrick expressed his sympathy for Johnson and those around him. He mentioned the difficulty of having a clear mind but a failing body, hoping for the best outcomes for Johnson and his family.

Johnson’s social media post highlighted research linking repetitive head trauma to ALS. Studies indicate NFL players are four times more likely to develop the disease compared to the general population.

Reflecting on Football and Risk

Fitzpatrick acknowledged understanding the risks of football, especially in light of recent findings. “Football has offered me so much, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he stated. Although he is aware of the dangers, he remains supportive of those, including his children, who aspire to play the sport.

Reflecting on aging and its challenges, Fitzpatrick shared that he has witnessed ALS’s impact firsthand through a close friend’s diagnosis. “As you age, more challenges arise that you must navigate,” he said soberly.

Understanding ALS

ALS is an incurable, progressive disease where the brain loses its ability to communicate with muscles, leading to the loss of essential functions. The ALS Association outlines that patients eventually lose the ability to perform basic activities, including breathing.

Johnson had a successful football career from 2008 to 2017, playing for the Titans, the New York Jets, and the Arizona Cardinals.

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