local
Former NFL RB Chris Johnson, known as CJ2K for his 2,000 yards for Titans in '09, reveals he has ALS
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
Chris Johnson, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years with the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he has ALS.Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last pl...
Key takeaway Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last played in 2017 for the Arizona Cardinals.
Why this matters in The Pearland
As the Houston area rallies around Chris Johnson, the community's connection to the NFL veteran is a reminder that professional athletes are not just distant figures, but also neighbors and friends. Johnson's diagnosis with ALS, a disease that has affected other NFL players, raises questions about the long-term health consequences of playing football. In Pearland , where youth sports are a staple of community life, Johnson's story may prompt parents and coaches to think more critically about the risks and benefits of contact sports. The outpouring of support from the Tennessee Titans organization and fans is a testament to the lasting impact that athletes like Johnson can have on their communities, and it will be interesting to see how the Houston community responds to his diagnosis and his decision to fight the disease. Johnson's courage in the face of a devastating diagnosis is an inspiration to many, and his story will likely resonate with fans and non-fans alike in Pearland and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Chris Johnson, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years with the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he has ALS.Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last pl...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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