An NFL player recently revealed a terrifying diagnosis. Former Tennessee Titans player Chris Johnson revealed he has ALS.
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Now, his former NFL team is rallying around the former pro athlete. Johnson revealed on Good Morning America that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.
"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," Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "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. Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey."
NFL Team Rallies Around Player
"We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris," Strunk concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators replied on X, "Our hearts are with Chris and his family during this challenging time. Music City stands with you, CJ."
Johnson revealed that doctors diagnosed him with ALS last year. He had developed weakness in his right hand. Now, he has to use his eyes in order to speak via a machine.
"I want people to know that I'm still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am," he told Strahan. Doctors diagnosed the former NFL player with sporadic ALS, meaning his family had no known history of the disease.
That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking," the NFL star explained. "It can happen to someone who never expected it."
Despite his physical disabilities, he says that he is still as sharp as ever.
"My mind stays sharp," he added. "People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you're not the same person. I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn't cooperate."
The athlete intends to fight. Johnson said, "At first you're in shock, then you realize you have two choices: you can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight."
