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Former NFL star Chris Johnson says he has been diagnosed with ALS
By Emily Mae Czachor at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
Former NFL star Chris Johnson announced that he's been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Johnson, now 40, said he received the diagnosis last year. He shared the news in a "Good Morning America" interview with Michael Strahan, a retired NFL player himself and co-anchor of th...
Key takeaway The vast majority of cases — about 90% — are considered sporadic, meaning there isn't an inherited or genetic link, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Why this matters in Southlake News
Chris Johnson's diagnosis with ALS is a sobering reminder of the disease's presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth community. As a former NFL star, Johnson's high-profile announcement may help raise awareness and inspire research in the local medical community. The fact that Johnson has sporadic ALS, with no family history of the disease, underscores the need for increased education and early detection efforts in Tarrant County. With the disease progressing quickly, Johnson's story highlights the importance of local support systems for families affected by ALS. As the Johnson family navigates this new reality, they will likely rely on local resources and healthcare providers in the Southlake area. The community's response to Johnson's diagnosis will be worth watching, particularly in terms of fundraising efforts and support for ALS research and awareness initiatives.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News 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 CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former NFL star Chris Johnson announced that he's been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Johnson, now 40, said he received the diagnosis last year. He shared the news in a "Good Morning America" interview with Michael Strahan, a retired NFL player himself and co-anchor of th...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Mae Czachor at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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