Chris Johnson's ALS Revelation Ignited a Spark in Tim Shaw's 12-Year Fight, And It's A Wake-Up Call

Okay, so you heard the news, right? Former Titans star running back Chris Johnson dropped a bombshell on Good Morning America on Monday: he's been diagnosed with ALS. Man, that hits hard. What's truly incredible, and a little mind-blowing, is how that devastating news has absolutely *ignited* a spark in another former NFL player, Tim Shaw, who's been battling ALS himself for over a decade. This isn't just about two guys fighting a brutal disease, it's about one man's courage injecting a new level of hope into another's 12-year struggle.

A 12-Year Battle Gets A Jolt

Think about that for a second. Twelve years fighting ALS. That's the road Tim Shaw, a former linebacker and Johnson's teammate for three seasons, has walked since his diagnosis in 2014. You get into a rhythm, a routine, a way of thinking about survival. Then Johnson steps up, revealing his own battle, communicating through a speed-generating machine. It's a tough, raw truth to share, especially for a private person, as Shaw noted. But Johnson's courage, his sheer attitude and excitement about treatments, has created a seismic shift. Shaw told Paul Kuharsky via text he had to "brag on him." He said, "He’s actually injected some hope in me. I’ve been in this fight for 12 years. Like anything else, you get into your routines and beliefs. His great attitude and excitement about treatments have shaken me out of survival mode, and I actually got a couple of treatments two weeks ago, and I’ve joined two clinical trials. So I don’t know if I’ve done anything for him, but he’s done a lot for me.” Ca

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n you believe that? A new diagnosis bringing *hope*? That's shared struggle and unbreakable spirit.

Shaking Out of Survival Mode: A Shared Mission

"Shaken out of survival mode." Those words hit different, don't they? For Shaw, it means he’s not just enduring, he’s actively pushing back harder. He got those treatments, he joined those clinical trials. This isn't just an individual fight anymore. Shaw is incredibly proud of Johnson for telling the world. He said they’d been talking for a while, and Johnson's "great attitude," his family, and his faith in God are fueling him. Shaw summed it up perfectly: "So he’s crushing it." Johnson now stands with former NFL players like Steve Gleason, Tim Green, and OJ Brigance, all pushing relentlessly for ALS research and awareness. This isn't just about one guy, or two. It's about a community of warriors who refuse to let this disease win quietly. They show the world what true grit looks like, not just on the field, but in the fight for their lives and others. Man, this story gives you chills, doesn't it? As fans, we cheer for the hits, the touchdowns, the big plays. But the real heroes, the real battles, often happen far from Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park. This isn't about next week's game for our Hawks, or the Mariners' early season form. This is about real human strength, shared resilience, and the relentless pursuit of answers against an unimaginable foe. It's a reminder that the fight for something bigger than the game is always on. Let's keep these warriors in our thoughts and support the ongoing push for awareness and research. What they're doing for each other, and for everyone else facing ALS, is truly inspiring.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.