09/09/2026
NFL's Chris Johnson can no longer speak, walk without significant assistance or feed himself as his battle with ALS has rapidly worsened.
Johnson, once one of the fastest players the NFL had ever seen, now communicates through an eye-controlled device after losing his ability to speak. He previously recorded his own voice so the device could communicate using it.
He also struggles to hold his head upright and requires assistance with basic daily activities, while a breathing machine pumps oxygen every four seconds.
The speed of the decline has been devastating.
In early 2025, Johnson was still working out when he first noticed weakness in his right hand and began having trouble gripping weights. He was diagnosed with ALS in May 2025.
Now his wife Brittany has become his full-time caregiver, feeding him his meals and nutritional supplements and helping him through a daily routine filled with stretching, physical therapy, medications and doctor's appointments.
Brittany described watching her husband's decline:
“The hardest part is just watching little pieces of him be torn away.”
She said it's also incredibly difficult watching what their children are losing. Johnson was heavily involved in their sports and activities before the disease progressed, and his twin sons are currently playing middle-school football.
Despite everything, Johnson is still fighting and says his biggest wish isn't about football.
Using his eye-controlled device, he told Sports Illustrated that he wants to see his children grow up — including one day walking his daughter Honey down the aisle.
“At the end of the day, I just want more time with the people I love.”
Absolutely heartbreaking 💔🙏🏻
(Via SI)
