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Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS at 39

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Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS at 39

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 39. Johnson, who played for the Tennessee Titans, is reportedly using a computer to communicate following his diagnosis. The news has prompted expressions of support from his former team and the NFL community.

yahoo-sportscbssportspeople-magazinetmzscrippsnewseonlinecleveland-plain-dealertennessean16 sources·5 angles·20 articles
Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Diagnosed with ALS at 39

Photo: Amari Shutters / Unsplash

What Happened

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has announced that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 39. Johnson, who played for the Tennessee Titans, shared the news of his diagnosis, which has led to widespread support from his former team and the wider NFL community.

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According to reports, Johnson is utilizing a computer to aid in his communication following the diagnosis. The Tennessee Titans organization has publicly expressed their support for Johnson and his family, stating they are "holding him and his family close."

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The diagnosis at Johnson's age has been described as shocking.

Key Facts

  1. 1

    Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with ALS.

  2. 2

    Chris Johnson is 39 years old.

  3. 3

    Johnson played for the Tennessee Titans.

  4. 4

    He is reportedly using a computer to speak.

  5. 5

    His former team, the Titans, have expressed support for him and his family.

How outlets are framing this

The same facts, told 5 ways. Read them side by side and draw your own conclusions.

nypostNew York Post
Emphasizes the 'shocking' nature of the ALS diagnosis for ex-NFL star Chris Johnson.
Read their coverage
yahoo-sportsYahoo Sports
Focuses on the emotional response from the Tennessee Titans organization and the shock surrounding Chris Johnson's diagnosis.
Read their coverage
cbssportsCBS Sports
Mentions Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis alongside other NFL-related news, including coaching changes and quarterback rankings.
Read their coverage
people-magazinePeople
Highlights that former NFL star Chris Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis at 39 and is using a computer to speak.
Read their coverage
st-louis-post-dispatchSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
Reports on the former NFL running back's revelation of his battle with ALS.
Read their coverage

Full Coverage

18 articles · chronological
New York PostNew York Post
Ex-NFL star Chris Johnson reveals ‘shocking’ ALS diagnosis
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former NFL star Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking health announcement
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 39, Uses a Computer to Speak
The TennesseanThe Tennessean
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis - The Tennessean
CBS SportsCBS Sports
Former NFL star running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
TMZTMZ
Ex-NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed With ALS, Uses Device To Speak With Eyes
United Press InternationalUnited Press International
Tennessee Titans legend Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner
Former NFL star Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former Jets RB Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis - Entertainment Weekly
Scripps NewsScripps News
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS - Scripps News
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis reveal draws support from Patrick Mahomes, NFL world
PeoplePeople
Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 39, Uses a Computer to Speak - People.com
E! OnlineE! Online
NFL Alum Chris Johnson Details Getting ALS Diagnosis at 39
Richmond Times-DispatchRichmond Times-Dispatch
Former Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson was diagnosed with ALS.
Cleveland Plain DealerCleveland Plain Dealer
Former NFL rushing yards champion reveals sudden health battle - Cleveland.com
St. Louis Post-DispatchSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
Former NFL RB Chris Johnson reveals ALS battle
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Titans 'Express Love' to Chris Johnson After His Shocking ALS Diagnosis at 39: 'Holding Him and His Family Close'

About this analysis

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Full Coverage

18 articles · chronological

New York PostNew York Post
Ex-NFL star Chris Johnson reveals ‘shocking’ ALS diagnosis
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former NFL star Chris Johnson makes heartbreaking health announcement
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 39, Uses a Computer to Speak
The TennesseanThe Tennessean
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis - The Tennessean
CBS SportsCBS Sports
Former NFL star running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
TMZTMZ
Ex-NFL Star Chris Johnson Diagnosed With ALS, Uses Device To Speak With Eyes
United Press InternationalUnited Press International
Tennessee Titans legend Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner
Former NFL star Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Former Jets RB Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis
Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis - Entertainment Weekly
Scripps NewsScripps News
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS - Scripps News
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis reveal draws support from Patrick Mahomes, NFL world
PeoplePeople
Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis at 39, Uses a Computer to Speak - People.com
E! OnlineE! Online
NFL Alum Chris Johnson Details Getting ALS Diagnosis at 39
Richmond Times-DispatchRichmond Times-Dispatch
Former Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson was diagnosed with ALS.
Cleveland Plain DealerCleveland Plain Dealer
Former NFL rushing yards champion reveals sudden health battle - Cleveland.com
St. Louis Post-DispatchSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
Former NFL RB Chris Johnson reveals ALS battle
Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Titans 'Express Love' to Chris Johnson After His Shocking ALS Diagnosis at 39: 'Holding Him and His Family Close'

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