NFL: Ex-player Chris Johnson diagnosed with ALS

NFL record holder Chris Johnson has revealed he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The former Tennessee Titans running back was diagnosed last year at the age of 39 and has shared his story to raise awareness.

ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

According to the NHS,, external it is the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND). It is incurable and its cause remains unclear.

Johnson, now 40, said in an interview with Good Morning America, external that he first noticed a weakness in his right hand.

"At first, it was little things like my grip didn't feel right and I wasn't as strong as I've always been," said the 2009 offensive player of the year.

"There's no history of ALS in my family. That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."

Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler during a 10-year NFL career and led the league for rushing yards in 2009 (2,006 yards). That contributed to 2,509 yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving yards combined), which remains an NFL record.

Johnson said he contacted Dr Merit Cudkowicz after watching an interview with her and the late actor Eric Dane, who died in February less than a year after disclosing he had been diagnosed with ALS.

"She was willing to think more creatively, offering experimental treatments that might help and advance research," said Johnson.

"We've been with her ever since, and that changed the course of our fight."

Johnson, who also had spells with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, now uses a speech-generating device to communicate.

"I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body," he added.

"I can't even hold a cup if I try, and that's despite being diagnosed relatively early and doing everything we can, including participating in multiple experimental treatments.

"That's why early detection, more research, and better treatments are so important. We have to give people a better chance than what's available today."

Details of organisations offering help and support with MND are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.