Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is asking for prayers for the football world on Monday.
Former NFL star Chris Johnson, who once rushed for more than 2,000 yards and was one of the most dominant running backs in recent league history, has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It typically starts with muscle weakness and loss of some bodily function. Ultimately, it can cause serious breathing problems and more, often leading to death within a few years of diagnosis.
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"I first noticed weakness in my right hand," Johnson said to Michael Strahan on 'GMA.'
"At first, it was little things like my grip didn't feel right and I wasn't as strong as I've always been. ... It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body."
"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," the ex All-Pro admitted. "I want people to know that I'm still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am ... I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn't cooperate."
Mahomes asking for prayers for Johnson
Mahomes is taking to social media to ask for prayers for Johnson and his family.
"Man… Praying for CJ2K 🙏🏽🙏🏽," he wrote.
"I hate that nasty disease. Prayers to him!" one fan wrote.
"So sad, praying for him," another NFL fan added.
"Praying for CJ," one fan added.
Our thoughts are with Chris Johnson and his friends and family members as he battles this terrible disease.
