Chris Johnson writes letter to his kids after ALS diagnosis. What it says

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has penned an open letter to his children following his diagnosis with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In the letter published via the Players Tribune on September 10, Johnson shared his journey since the initial symptoms he experienced in March 2025. He recounted how his first alarming symptom was feeling the heavy weight of a water bottle during a road trip. After meeting with multiple doctors, Johnson was eventually diagnosed with the motor neuron disease.

At present, Johnson's body has lost much of its functionality, as he cannot speak and has lost the ability to perform many of his former tasks on the field. However, he emphasized that his core values and identity have remained unchanged. Johnson stressed the importance of focusing on the aspects of life that remain constant and that are within his control, such as staying connected with his family and pursuing his football journey.

In the letter, Johnson expressed his gratitude that his children have been able to maintain their normal lives despite the adversity Johnson is facing. He encouraged them to shape their own football journey and conveyed his hope to live long enough to witness significant milestones in their lives, such as graduation and marriage. Johnson ended the letter by expressing his appreciation for their ability to remain untouched by ALS, as if they were oblivious to the disease.

Johnson's ALS diagnosis came in June 2026, and he made a public announcement about his battle on Good Morning America alongside former NFL player Michael Strahan. Since announcing his diagnosis, Johnson has actively encouraged the return of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, raising over $238,000 for the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.