Chris Johnson Was 39 When He Got the News, And "I Chose To Fight" Tells You Everything About His ALS Battle
Man, talk about a gut punch to start the week, Emerald City. We just heard some heavy news from one of the NFL's all-time electric talents, Chris Johnson, better known as CJ2K. The dude, who used to scorch defenses for thousands of yards, announced on "Good Morning America" today that he's been diagnosed with ALS. It's brutal, shocking news, and frankly, it makes you stop and think. Our collective thoughts are with him as he faces this incredible challenge.
The Fight Against "Sporadic" ALS
Johnson, now 40, sat down with Michael Strahan on Monday to drop the news. He shared that he got this devastating diagnosis last year, when he was just 39. And get this: there's no history of ALS in his family. Johnson explained his doctors believe his case is what's called "sporadic ALS," which is actually how the vast majority of cases happen. It's that kind of random, unexpected hit that makes this disease so incredibly shocking. You just never expect it, you know? It's a sobering reminder this thing can come for anyone, anytime.
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Remembering CJ2K's Electric Career
For those of us who watched him fly around the field for ten seasons with the Titans, Jets, and Cardinals, Johnson was pure appointment viewing. Especially back in 2009, his time in Tennessee was legendary. CJ2K became only the sixth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, clocking in with an insane 2,006 rushing yards. But he didn't stop there. He set an NFL record that year with 2,509 scrimmage yards. The guy was a first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. He's even fourth on the Titans' all-time rushing list with 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns on 2,163 carries before his last game in 2017. He was a force, plain and simple.
Choosing the Fight
Hearing him talk about the diagnosis, it's clear the mental battle is just as intense. Johnson admitted, "Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it." He talked about the initial shock, and then realizing you've got two choices: give up, or fight. And true to the competitor he always was on the field, Johnson said simply, "I chose to fight." That's the spirit we know, the drive that made him a 2,000-yard rusher. It's a powerful reminder for all of us here in Seattle, as we watch our teams battle through the early season, that the biggest fights often happen off the field. This isn't about stats or wins; it's about pure resilience and heart. Let's send all our positive energy his way.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.