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Chris Johnson, legendary Titans RB and member of 2,000-yard season club, reveals ALS diagnosis
By Tony Garcia at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - One of the most dominant Tennessee Titans players in history revealed on Monday that he is suffering from a deadly disease known to many as ALS.Chris Johnson, a former NFL running back who started his career by playing six seasons for the Tennessee Titans, sat down with ...
Key takeaway He said he was diagnosed with the terminal disease in 2025, at the age of 39.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The revelation of Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis sends shockwaves through the Nashville community, where he spent six seasons as a dominant force on the Tennessee Titans. As the city rallies around its beloved former player, the news also brings attention to the growing concern of ALS among NFL athletes. The Titans' decision to post a highlight video of Johnson's career over the weekend, just before his diagnosis was made public, suggests a sense of solidarity and appreciation for his contributions to the team. The team's owner has since released a statement, expressing support for Johnson and his family. As Nashville comes to terms with this news, it's likely that the community will mobilize to support Johnson and raise awareness about ALS, a disease that has affected several high-profile NFL players, including New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason. The city's strong sports fandom and charitable spirit will likely be on full display in the coming weeks.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - One of the most dominant Tennessee Titans players in history revealed on Monday that he is suffering from a deadly disease known to many as ALS.Chris Johnson, a former NFL running back who started his career by playing six seasons for the Tennessee Titans, sat down with ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tony Garcia at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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