Former NFL RB Chris Johnson has ALS

[IroNat]

Awful disease.

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/former-nfl-star-chris-johnson-reveals-als-diagnosis-134255671?ftag=YHF4eb9d17

[Irongrip400]

I watched that interview and was shocked at how quickly it progressed with him. I’d imagine he’s probably close to death, is why he’s out and “speaking” about it. He seemed to have “ticks” like Tourette’s when he was playing. I remember seeing him a few times on the bench nodding his head and it looked involuntary. Very sad shit, awful for his wife and kids.

[Lartinos]

In terms of mph I remember he was easily the fastest running back at his peak.

The running backs are on the small side to take the number of hits that they do.

The impact and danger are what makes sports like boxing and football especially interesting though.

I don’t think they were tracking concussions in his day like they do now. Would it have made a difference? I think the helmets have recently got better too.

The NBA was already ruined so they should just keep the NFL the way it currently is. People die in boxing too, that’s just the nature of the sport.

[IroNat]

Only Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson were faster RBs than Chris Johnson.

[Brenda Steunbeer]

ALS = death sentence. As with many neurological diseases, so far the medical possibilities are very disappointing. AI can seriously speed up research, but any breakthrough still is many years or most likely even decades away.

[Lartinos]

Damn, rough way to go out.

[Coach is Back!]

Damn this is so sad and so fast

[chaos]

ALS = death sentence. As with many neurological diseases, so far the medical possibilities are very disappointing. AI can seriously speed up research, but any breakthrough still is many years or most likely even decades away.

Long ago I knew a guy that upholstered the seat to my motorcycle, about a month after I met him he was diagnosed with ALS. I think he only lasted a year or so. Sad for his wife and kids. Seems like it hits fast and hard.

[funk51]

 Prominent players diagnosed with ALS include:
Steve Gleason: Former New Orleans Saints safety, diagnosed in 2011, who became a prominent advocate for ALS research through Team Gleason.
Steve McMichael: Chicago Bears Hall of Fame defensive tackle, diagnosed in 2021, who passed away from the disease in 2025.
Tim Green: Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker and author, diagnosed in 2016.
Tim Shaw: Former Tennessee Titans linebacker, who revealed his diagnosis during the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge.
O.J. Brigance: Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, diagnosed in 2007.
Kevin Turner: Former Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots fullback, who passed away in 2016.
Dwight Clark: Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, who publicly announced his diagnosis in 2017 and passed away in 2018.

The ALS Association
 
Research conducted by organizations such as the Boston University CTE Center has found strong evidence linking repetitive head trauma from football to an increased risk of developing ALS. 

[funk51]

   

      Lou Gehrig regularly played—and sometimes even hit home runs—the day after being hit in the head by a pitch, reflecting the tough, "play-through-it" baseball culture of the 1920s and 1930s. There are a few well-documented instances where he suffered severe beanings and kept his consecutive-game streak alive:June 29, 1934: During an exhibition game at Bain Field in Norfolk, Virginia, Gehrig was hit above the right eye by a pitch from Ray White. He was knocked unconscious for about five minutes but returned to play the very next day.April 23, 1933: Gehrig was hit in the head by a pitch from Washington Senators pitcher Earl Whitehill. He was nearly knocked out but insisted on remaining in the game.While Gehrig famously played 2,130 consecutive games—a record he held until it was broken by Cal Ripken Jr.—some modern researchers and neurologists speculate that these repeated, severe concussions may have contributed to his health issues later in life.

[Humble Narcissist]

ALS = death sentence. As with many neurological diseases, so far the medical possibilities are very disappointing. AI can seriously speed up research, but any breakthrough still is many years or most likely even decades away.

Suicide is the best solution.

[US MUSL]

I watched the video and at first I thought it froze but you could hear Chris speaking.  It's crazy how fast ALS can progress.

[IroNat]

I watched the video and at first I thought it froze but you could hear Chris speaking.  It's crazy how fast ALS can progress.

They recorded his voice and use a computer to mimic his voice to speak for him.