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The Tennessee Titans have announced that former running back Chris Johnson will be inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor after recently revealing that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The honor comes just weeks after Johnson, 40, publicly shared that he is living with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, which currently has no cure. The Titans confirmed that the induction ceremony will take place on September 13 during the team's home opener against the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk praised Johnson's lasting impact on the organization, describing him as one of the franchise's most respected figures. She said his remarkable achievements on the field are only part of his legacy, adding that his character and leadership have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the club and its supporters.
Johnson spent six seasons with the Titans after being selected in the 2008 NFL Draft. During his time in Tennessee, he established himself as one of the league's most explosive running backs, earning three Pro Bowl selections while setting numerous franchise records.
Last month, Johnson disclosed that he had been diagnosed with ALS in 2025 during a pre-recorded interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America. He said the disease has affected his physical abilities but emphasized that it has not changed who he is as a person.
The former NFL star also called for the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral fundraising campaign that raised global awareness for ALS in 2014. In response, the Titans released a video featuring several current and former NFL players, including Aaron Donald, Taylor Lewan and Maxx Crosby, taking part in the challenge to show their support for Johnson.
Johnson revealed that the disease has progressed much faster than he expected over the past year. He now communicates using a speech-generating device controlled by his eyes. The technology uses recordings of his voice made before he lost the ability to speak, allowing him to communicate in a voice that closely resembles his own.
Reflecting on the rapid progression of the illness, Johnson shared that just over a year ago he was able to lift his young daughter during her birthday celebration, something he is no longer physically able to do.
Following Johnson's public announcement, the Titans immediately expressed their support for him and his family. Strunk said Johnson's contributions on the field, in the locker room and throughout the Nashville community have secured his place in the history of the franchise, adding that the organization will continue to stand beside him throughout his journey.
