The recent diagnosis of former NFL rushing champion Chris Johnson with ALS at just 39 years old sent shockwaves through the football world. Now, a devastating new study confirms what many feared: the connection between the sport and this devastating motor neuron disease is far more disturbing than previously understood.
On Tuesday, the Concussion & CTE Foundation released findings that identified 10 NFL players since 1960 who have died of ALS before reaching age 50. For context, dying of ALS before that age is considered “extraordinarily rare” in the general population, according to ProFootballTalk’s Michael David Smith. The study examined health records of nearly 20,000 former NFL players, and while the names of those in the cohort weren’t disclosed, at least four are already publicly known.
“ALS deaths among former NFL players, particularly those who die at younger ages, are occurring far more often than could possibly be expected by chance,” said co-author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar. “These findings are deeply concerning and underscore the urgent need to understand how repetitive head impacts and motor neuron disease may be connected.”
The study’s conclusions are stark: the rate of ALS deaths before age 50 among former players is alarmingly high, far exceeding what researchers would expect in a typical population. Dr. Daneshvar stressed that the data demands immediate action. “We must translate this knowledge into action by helping former players access specialized neurological care and accelerate research toward treatments and prevention. Every ALS diagnosis is devastating, and this data strengthens our responsibility to act with urgency.”
Chris Johnson’s case brought renewed attention to the issue, but the study shows he is far from alone. The league has long faced scrutiny over head trauma and its link to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), but this research highlights a separate, equally frightening threat. The findings echo concerns raised by other recent tragedies, such as the death of former Rutgers captain Jamil Merrell at age 36, underscoring how these risks can cut lives short.
Football’s inherent violence has always been part of its appeal, but the human cost is becoming impossible to ignore. As long as the sport remains a heavy-contact game, players will face elevated risks of catastrophic medical conditions. Short of fundamentally changing how football is played—from youth leagues to the pros—there’s no way to eliminate these dangers entirely.
Experts say the path forward must include better screening, more research, and potentially rule changes to reduce repetitive head impacts. The study’s authors hope their findings will push the NFL and other organizations to invest more aggressively in protecting players. Meanwhile, fans and former players alike are left grappling with the sobering reality that every snap carries a risk far beyond the scoreboard.
For those who have already left the game, the need for specialized care has never been more urgent. As Dr. Daneshvar put it, understanding how head impacts trigger motor neuron disease is the first step toward prevention. Until then, the numbers speak for themselves—and they are deeply troubling.
