Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Announces ALS Diagnosis

前 NFL 球星 Chris Johnson 宣布確診 ALS

Jun 29, 2026, 19:55
EuropeSports

Introduction

Chris Johnson, a retired professional football player, has publicly shared that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

退休職業美式足球員 Chris Johnson 公開表示，他被診斷患有肌萎縮性側索硬化症（ALS）。

Main Body

The announcement was made during a pre-recorded interview on 'Good Morning America' on June 29, 2026. Mr. Johnson, 39, explained that he was first diagnosed in 2025 after noticing that his right hand was becoming weaker and losing muscle. Doctors identified his condition as sporadic ALS, which means it does not run in the family; this type of the disease accounts for about 90% of all cases. Because ALS causes the nerves in the brain and spinal cord to break down, patients gradually lose control of their muscles. Consequently, due to the fast progression of the illness, Mr. Johnson now uses a special speech device controlled by his eyes to communicate.

這項公告是在 2026 年 6 月 29 日一段預錄的《Good Morning America》訪談中公布的。39 歲的 Johnson 先生解釋，他在 2025 年發現右手變得越來越虛弱且肌肉萎縮後，首次被診斷患病。醫生確定其狀況為散發性 ALS，這意味著該病非家族遺傳；此類疾病約佔所有病例的 90%。由於 ALS 會導致大腦和脊髓的神經分解，患者會逐漸失去對肌肉的控制。因此，由於病程進展迅速，Johnson 先生現在使用一種由眼睛控制的特殊發聲裝置來溝通。

Many organizations have expressed their support for the athlete. Amy Adams Strunk, the owner of the Tennessee Titans, released a statement emphasizing that Mr. Johnson's leadership and community work have made him a permanent part of the team's history. Furthermore, the Nashville Predators and the New York Jets have also offered their support. Mr. Johnson, who is famous for his record-breaking 2,000-yard rushing season in 2009, asserted that he went public with his diagnosis to increase awareness of the disease. He also noted that while his physical strength is declining, his mental abilities remain strong.

許多組織對這位運動員表示支持。Tennessee Titans 的老闆 Amy Adams Strunk 發布聲明強調，Johnson 先生的領導力及其對社區的貢獻，使其成為球隊歷史中永久的一部分。此外，Nashville Predators 和 New York Jets 也表達了支持。Johnson 先生以 2009 年創下單季 2,000 碼衝球紀錄而聞名，他聲稱公開診斷結果是為了提高大眾對該疾病的認識。他也指出，雖然他的體能正在下降，但心智能力依然強大。

Conclusion

Mr. Johnson continues to deal with this incurable disease while receiving significant support from his former professional teams.

Johnson 先生在前職業球隊的大力支持下，繼續面對這種無法治癒的疾病。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Logic-Link' Secret: Moving Beyond "And" and "But"

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Logical Transition Markers. These are words that act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🔍 Evidence from the Text

Look at how the author connects these complex ideas:

  1. The Result Chain: "...nerves in the brain and spinal cord to break down... Consequently, due to the fast progression..."

    • B2 Insight: Instead of saying "So," use Consequently. It signals a formal cause-and-effect relationship.

  2. The Addition Layer: *"...permanent part of the team's history. Furthermore, the Nashville Predators..."

    • B2 Insight: Instead of saying "Also," use Furthermore. It tells the reader, "I have already given you one point, and now I am adding a second, stronger point."

🛠️ How to Upgrade Your Speaking/Writing

A2 (Basic)B2 (Bridge)When to use it
So...Consequently...When one event creates a direct result.
Also...Furthermore...When adding a new piece of professional information.
But...While...To show two opposite things happening at once.

Example Transformation:

  • A2: He is sick but he is mentally strong.
  • B2: While his physical strength is declining, his mental abilities remain strong.

Coach's Tip: Notice the shift in sentence structure! By starting with "While," we create a sophisticated contrast that makes the sentence flow naturally, a hallmark of B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

diagnosed (v.)
To identify the nature of an illness or other problem by examining the symptoms
Example:The patient was diagnosed with a rare vitamin deficiency after several blood tests.
sporadic (adj.)
Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; not steady or continuous
Example:The region experienced sporadic outbreaks of the flu throughout the winter.
accounts for (phr. v.)
To form a particular amount or part of something
Example:Renewable energy now accounts for over 20% of the country's total power consumption.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something; therefore
Example:The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost its market share to competitors.
progression (n.)
The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state
Example:The doctor monitored the progression of the disease to determine the best treatment plan.
emphasizing (v.)
Giving special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing
Example:The manager spent the meeting emphasizing the need for better communication between departments.
asserted (v.)
Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent despite the circumstantial evidence.
awareness (n.)
Knowledge and understanding of a particular situation or issue
Example:The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
declining (v./adj.)
Becoming smaller, fewer, or less; decreasing
Example:The population of the village has been declining for several decades.
incurable (adj.)
Not able to be cured or healed
Example:Although the condition is incurable, there are many treatments to manage the symptoms.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→