Chris Johnson Loses Speech to Rapid ALS 16 Months After Diagnosis
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 8
Chris Johnson Loses Speech to Rapid ALS 16 Months After Diagnosis
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 8
Summary
More than a year after his May 2025 ALS diagnosis, former NFL running back Chris Johnson can no longer speak, cannot walk without major assistance and now relies on constant daily care at his Orlando-area home.
ALS has progressed quickly since weakness first appeared in Johnson’s right hand in early 2025; he now communicates through an eye-controlled device using a recorded version of his voice.
Brittany Johnson manages much of that care — stretching, medications, meals, therapy and doctor visits — with help from relatives and friend Malachi Bleus, who also flies monthly to Boston for medication.
Johnson, 40, went public with the disease on June 29 and is using his story to raise ALS awareness, as tributes and Ice Bucket Challenge posts spread across the NFL.
A recent study cited in the report found former NFL players are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than the general population, though Johnson said no one can say with certainty what caused his case.