Steve Gleason Backs Chris Johnson After Ex-NFL Star Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 40
Updated
Updated · NOLA.com · Jun 29
Steve Gleason Backs Chris Johnson After Ex-NFL Star Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 40
3 articles · Updated · NOLA.com · Jun 29
Summary
Steve Gleason said Monday that Chris Johnson and his family “are not alone,” after the former Titans running back disclosed he has ALS and received a direct message from Gleason.
Johnson told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he was diagnosed a year ago at 39, calling it sporadic ALS with no family history and saying the disease can strike unexpectedly.
The 40-year-old Johnson played 10 NFL seasons and rushed for more than 2,000 yards in 2009, becoming only the sixth running back to reach that mark.
Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011 at 34, has turned his own case into advocacy through Team Gleason and research into why professional athletes face ALS diagnoses 25% more often than the general population.
As more NFL stars face ALS, is the sport itself a primary risk factor for the deadly disease?
While tech offers hope for ALS patients, why are insurance denials creating an even bigger battle?
Former NFL Star Chris Johnson’s ALS Battle: Elevated Athlete Risk, League Response, and the Push for a Cure
Overview
On June 29, 2026, news broke that former NFL star Chris Johnson was battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), prompting an immediate and heartfelt response from the Tennessee Titans. Amy Adams Strunk, the team's controlling owner, released a statement acknowledging Johnson's diagnosis and highlighting his immeasurable influence on the franchise. She praised his leadership, positive impact in the locker room, and contributions to the Nashville community, stating that Johnson is permanently part of the Titans' story. The organization expressed the difficulty of the news and pledged to support Johnson every step of the way, uniting fans and the football community in solidarity.