NFL legend Tim Green opens up about ALS journey
‘Fox & Friends’ co-host Brian Kilmeade traveled to Green’s New York home to discuss his diagnosis, faith, technology that allows him to use his own voice, fundraising for a cure and new book ‘Rocket Arm.’
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Chris Johnson was a dominant running back at one point in his NFL career.
He rushed for 2,000 yards in his second season with the Tennessee Titans in 2009 en route to three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and made the Pro Bowl in 2009 thanks to his statistical prowess that season.
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Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson stands on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, November 28, 2010. The Texans defeated the Titans 20-0. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson, 40, announced a new and harrowing battle on Monday. He said he was diagnosed with ALS.
“There is no history of ALS in my family,” he said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “My doctors believe that my case is what is called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases occur.
FORMER FALCONS STAR TIM GREEN REFUSES TO LET ALS STEAL HIM AS FATHER-SON PODCAST CREATES LASTING LEGACY
“That’s one of the reasons why this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it.”
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson breaks free for a long run against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, November 8, 2009. The Titans defeated the 49ers 34-27. (Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson said he began to notice a weakness in his right hand and that his grip had not been as strong as it previously was.
“It has continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand how quickly ALS can attack your body,” Johnson said. “Just over a year ago, I picked up my 7-year-old daughter to make a wish with her birthday cake. Today I couldn’t do it.”
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There is no known cure for ALS – known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is a progressive disease in which the brain loses connection with the muscles, according to the ALS Association. Those affected slowly lose their ability to walk, talk, eat, dress, write, swallow and eventually breathe.
Johnson credited his family, including his wife Brittany, for giving him a “reason to keep going.”
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson runs against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on August 28, 2010. (Sam Sharpe/USA TODAY Sports)
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The former running back played in the NFL from 2008 to 2017 with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.
