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NFL·July 3, 2026 12:02 PM ET

Chris Johnson back in focus amid public ALS battle

The former NFL rushing star confronts an ALS diagnosis.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 31 min read
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What happened: Chris Johnson, the electric former NFL running back, is drawing renewed national attention as he faces amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis in late June, and the outpouring of support from the football community has continued since.

Why it matters: Johnson was one of the most explosive backs of his era, and his diagnosis has landed hard across the league. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure, which is why his story has resonated well beyond his former teams and fan base.

By the numbers: Johnson's 2,509 scrimmage yards in 2009 still stand as the NFL single-season record, headlined by a 2,006-yard rushing campaign that made him the sixth back to crack 2,000.

What to watch: Watch for continued messages of support from around the NFL and any further public updates on Johnson's condition.

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