Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis reveal draws support from Patrick Mahomes, NFL world

Tributes, love and support have been rolling in for Chris Johnson.

Johnson, the former NFL running back who spent time with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, announced he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease - during a June 29 interview with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America."

"There's no history of ALS in my family," Johnson said in the interview. "My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.

"That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."

Nicknamed "CJ2K" for his 2,006-rushing yard performance during the 2009 season, Johnson earned the Offensive Player of the Year award for his efforts with the Titans that season. He accounted for an NFL-record 2,509 total scrimmage yards, adding 16 rushing and receiving touchdowns.

Johnson recorded more than 1,000 rushing yards in each of his six seasons with the Titans.

Across the NFL and sports worlds, many sent well-wishes, thoughts, support and positivity to Johnson following his announcement.

@ChrisJohnson28pic.twitter.com/B2ntIF2MXX

- Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) June 29, 2026

Man... Praying for CJ2K

- Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 29, 2026

This was tough to sit through and hear. God bless bro @ChrisJohnson28https://t.co/8HXLGrDahl

- Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) June 29, 2026

Praying for Chris Johnson man. Don't know him personally but he was a tremendous player.#endals

- Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) June 29, 2026

Our hearts are with Chris and his family during this challenging time. Music City stands with you CJ

- Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 29, 2026

Our thoughts and support go out to @ChrisJohnson28 and his family. The entire football community is behind you. https://t.co/ac8MsbbixC

- NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 29, 2026

Got the whole league supporting you, @ChrisJohnson28 pic.twitter.com/p1W3iN7J57

- Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 29, 2026

Titans owner with statement on @ChrisJohnson28's ALS diagnosis pic.twitter.com/mxkUYJjyg0

- Tennessee Titans (@Titans) June 29, 2026

Our entire Jets family is with you, @ChrisJohnson28. Sending strength and support as you face this challenge. pic.twitter.com/9EnDrvXSKp

- New York Jets (@nyjets) June 29, 2026

The Cardinals join the entire football community in sending strength, love and support to Chris Johnson. We know he will face this latest challenge with the same tenacity and toughness as he has all others. pic.twitter.com/mjyicUPr0E

- Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 29, 2026

All of Pirate Nation is behind you @ChrisJohnson28pic.twitter.com/fo3CliYTlW

- East Carolina Pirates (@ECUAthletics) June 29, 2026

We love you @ChrisJohnson28pic.twitter.com/OzT1aJmnje

- East Carolina Pirates (@ECUAthletics) June 29, 2026

Rooting for you, CJ2K pic.twitter.com/kikH5KLCZU

- Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 29, 2026

ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to theUnited States National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokethe degenerative disease "affects motor neurons ... the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing." ALS causes weakness in the muscles that gradually progresses and worsens. ALS eventually progresses to affect muscles needed for speaking, eating and breathing, making it a terminal disease.

There is currently no known cure for ALS, but researchers have developed treatments that can slow the speed at which the disease progresses. According to the NIH, most people with ALS die "within 3-to-5 years of symptoms first appearing." One in 10 people suffering from ALS survive 10-plus years.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis reveal draws support from Patrick Mahomes, NFL world