Sports world reacts to former Titans RB Chris Johnson revealing ALS battle

"Chris Johnson reveals on 'Good Morning America' that he has ALS," wrote McCormick. "I saw him year before last at the Senior Bowl, and he seemed in good shape then, was pursuing a career in scouting. He even came on my podcast. Sad to see him in this condition. Prayers for him and his family."

Sadly for Johnson, the illness is progressing rapidly. He can no longer speak and needs a speech-generating device to communicate.

"It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand how quickly ALS can attack your body," he said. "Just over a year ago, I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she'd make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn't do that." 

Learning of Johnson's medical status left Austin Stanley of A to Z Sports Nashville heartbroken. 

"I'm honestly stunned to see Chris Johnson's ALS progression," wrote Stanley. "I was already heartbroken to hear the rumors, but to see CJ ... I'm actually shaking."

Johnson, pick No. 24 in the 2008 NFL Draft, played 10 seasons for the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The best season of his career came with Tennessee in 2009. He won Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for a career-high 2,006 yards in 16 games. The three-time Pro Bowler is one of nine RBs in NFL history to rush for 2,000-plus yards in a season. 

Johnson can no longer do that or other tasks due to the disease. Despite that, the condition hasn't stripped him of his core identity. 

"ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am," he said. "People sometimes look at the physical disability and assume you're still not the same person inside. I still think the same. I still love my family. My body doesn't just cooperate."