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Former Titans RB Chris Johnson announces ALS diagnosis
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson announced he is facing a major health challenge. Read more trending news Johnson sat down with “Good Morning America” to speak about being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He said he receiv...
Key takeaway He said he received the diagnosis last year at the age of 39.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
As Atlantans learn about Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis, they may be reminded of the city's strong connection to medical research and treatment. Atlanta is home to several renowned medical institutions that specialize in neurological disorders, including ALS. The city's research community has been actively involved in studying and developing treatments for ALS, and Johnson's story may raise awareness about the need for continued support and funding for these efforts. Locally, organizations and charities focused on ALS research and patient support may see an increase in interest and donations, which could have a positive impact on the community. Additionally, Johnson's experience may highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in Atlanta's public spaces and events, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, like ALS, can fully participate and engage with their community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta 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 WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson announced he is facing a major health challenge. Read more trending news Johnson sat down with “Good Morning America” to speak about being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He said he receiv...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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