Johnson suffering from ALS
Chris Johnson’s X profile picture
Chris Johnson, who gained statewide fame for his “CJ2K” season with the Tennessee Titans in 2009, has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, and has been dealing with the disease for an extended period of time.
When rumors began to swirl Sunday about Johnson’s upcoming segment on Good Morning America with Pro Football Hall of Fame Michael Strahan - not expected to be a live interview - that Johnson’s health may be declining, the Warren County Way reached out to McMinnville native and former Titans radio broadcaster Jonathan Hutton. He, regretfully, was able to confirm the tragic news was more than speculation.
Readers can be looking for a link later Monday after Hutton and co-host Keith Bulluck provide background information on Johnson and his battles with ALS. Hutton has previously tackled the topic with former Titan Tim Shaw, who was also diagnosed with ALS - something he revealed in August 2014 while participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Hutton has been in the locker room with both Johnson and Shaw in the past and knows how much they’ve meant to the franchise, the fans and their teammates.
“Hey, Tennessee Titans --- YES, we know you’ll put him in the Ring Of Honor,” said Hutton in a statement to The WCW. “But, hey, Tennessee Titans fans -- let’s celebrate an all-time great. Long Live CJ2K. #28. #59. (Tim Shaw - @TShawTruth) I love those guys. Their teammates did, too.”
According to the Mayo Clinic website, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is “a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as ALS, the disease leads to muscle weakness and other symptoms that get worse over time.”
Currently, this is no known cause or cure for ALS.
Johnson was a first-round draft pick for the Titans in 2008 and was an immediate success in the NFL out of East Carolina after setting a then-combine record in the 40 (4.24 seconds).
He was a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, including his second year when he became just the sixth player ever to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season (2,006 yards rushing) while setting an NFL record which still stands - 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
Three players have since joined the 2K club, including former Titan Derrick Henry in 2020.
After just six seasons in Nashville, Johnson leapt to No. 3 all-time in career rushing yards (7,965) with the Titans, trailing only Eddie George (10,009) and Earl Campbell (8,574). Henry would go on to pass both Johnson and Campbell in 2022.
Johnson played one season with the New York Jets in 2014 before wrapping up a 10-year career with three seasons in Arizona.
On November 5, 2018, Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL and on April 24, 2019, Johnson signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Tennessee Titans.
Full Thoughts from Hutton
Trevor asked a great question about CJ when I joined the WCSA last month. I admitted I never referenced him enough when asked about my favorite players to be around. CJ was CJ. He was chill, but motivated. Easy-going, but worked hard. He wasn’t a showman. He was the showstopper.
Point blank -- WAS 4.24. What’s the difference? I ran 4.7 in HS. He made 4.4 speed look like ME. Another way to explain it: He took a Titans roster worthy of about 5 wins to an 8-8 season because of his 2,000 yards.
He is one of only nine NFL running backs to ever reach 2,000 yards in a single season, and even the best backs of all time never did it twice. That makes Chris Johnson one of the greatest runnings backs our generation will ever watch play the game. Pause and think about that.
Hey, Tennessee Titans --- YES, we know you’ll put him in the Ring Of Honor.
But, hey, Tennessee Titans fans -- let’s celebrate an all-time great.
Long Live CJ2K. #28. #59. @TShawTruth. I love those guys. Their teammates did, too.
When Jonathan Hutton was on the WC Sports Authority show, the topic of Chris Johnson’s amazing talent came up. Listen in on the conversation. Full link to the show (CJ2K convo starts at 2:03:25): https://youtu.be/CkMndiOcsUQ?si=G9I7F6YjNqB6qg4q&t=7405
