Tuesday Mailbag: Titans Fans Offer Thoughts, and Prayers, for Chris Johnson NASHVILLE – Welcome to the latest edition of the Titans mailbag. This one is going to focus on Chris Johnson, who on Monday, publicly announced on Good Morning America he has been diagnosed with ALS. I admit, it was a tough interview to watch. Even though I'd heard the night before the interview aired that Johnson's condition had declined so much that he was using his eyes to trigger a speech-generating device to speak, I was still shocked, and terribly saddened, to see Johnson in his current physical condition, weakened by a terrible disease. I'll always remember him as the electrifying back who produced one highlight reel run after the next, and as the guy who has always been so kind, and approachable, no matter the topic. I got to know Johnson pretty well during his playing days, and I've remained in touch with him in the years since. I've always told folks the years covering CJ2K were some of the most memorable in my career. The last time I texted Johnson was on April 23, the night of the first round of the NFL Draft. He texted "I told you so" with a pair of laughing emojis after the Titans picked Carnell Tate in the draft. Johnson, of course, was the only person among 160 pollsters to tab Tate to the Titans in the mock draft roundup I compile each year. The time before that was on April 15, when Johnson reached out inquiring about Coach Dave McGinnis, on the day of his passing. Johnson, who was battling ALS, had no idea McGinnis was sick, and was sad to hear the news. I know a lot of Titans fans are still having a hard time processing Johnson's ALS diagnosis, and I admit, I am, too. Since the day I first met Johnson as a 21-year-old, he's always been so full of life.#nashville #good_morning_america #titans #chris_johnson #ring_of_honor
Chris Johnson Seeks Ice Bucket Challenge Revival Amid ALS Diagnosis Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, who played for the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets, is urging the revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after being diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease. Johnson, who recently disclosed his diagnosis on "Good Morning America," is leveraging his platform to reignite the viral campaign that once brought global attention to ALS research. The Ice Bucket Challenge, which gained massive traction in 2014, raised an estimated $135 million in the United States and $220 million worldwide, according to the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Johnson, who has been using a speech-generating device based on his voice recordings to communicate, emphasized the importance of the cause during his interview. He revealed that his diagnosis occurred last year and that his case is classified as sporadic ALS, a form that accounts for the majority of cases. "There's no history of ALS in my family," he explained. "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." Johnson’s call to action came after he posted on Instagram, challenging former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch and former Titans teammates LenDale White and Adam "Pacman" Jones to participate in the challenge. He later shared Instagram story clips showing White and others being doused with water, highlighting the campaign’s continued relevance. The posts underscored his personal connection to the cause, as he aims to use his platform to educate others about ALS and its impact.#arizona_cardinals #tennessee_titans #new_york_jets #chris_johnson #ice_bucket_challenge
