The NFL community is sending a wave of love and prayers to former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson after his Ring of Honor induction was unexpectedly postponed.
Johnson, who racked up 7,965 rushing yards and 58 total touchdowns during his Titans tenure, was set to be honored at halftime of Sunday's Jets-Titans game in Nashville. But on Friday, the team announced that the ceremony would be delayed due to what they called “unforeseen circumstances” preventing Johnson and his family from traveling.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chris Johnson and his family are no longer able to travel to Nashville for this Sunday’s game,” the Titans said in a statement. “Knowing how much he and his family desire to be in person at Nissan Stadium for his induction into the Titans Ring of Honor, we will postpone the official induction ceremony and look forward to celebrating the moment with them at a future date.”
The news hit hard for fans, especially after Johnson, 40, revealed earlier this year that he is battling ALS. Social media quickly filled with messages of encouragement for the man known as CJ2K.
“Chris Johnson the guy I looked up to playing football and wanted to be, that quick sharpness fast moving rb. Hard to think a guy like that end up like this, Praying for you and ur family stay strong,” one fan wrote.
“I don’t like the sound of this,” another added. “Prayers for Chris and his family.”
“This is so sad man & based on that letter, it might be even worse than we know,” a third commenter said.
Just days before the postponement, Johnson penned an emotional letter to his four children in The Players’ Tribune, explaining that they are his motivation to keep fighting ALS. He wrote about his dreams of watching them graduate, walking his daughter down the aisle, and growing old with his wife, Brittany.
“All four of y’all, promise me you’ll always stick together,” Johnson wrote. “Love each other. Hold each other down. Life is going to change in ways none of us can predict, but don’t ever let it change that. I believe in you guys. You each have unique talents and skills that you’re gonna share with the world one day. I know it. I have big dreams for you.”
The postponement adds another layer of uncertainty, but fans remain hopeful that Johnson will get his moment at Nissan Stadium soon. The Titans have not yet announced a new date for the induction.
Johnson’s health battle has drawn widespread sympathy across the league, echoing the recent tragic loss of former NFL wide receiver Arthur Marshall to cancer. The football world continues to rally around its own, and CJ2K is at the center of that support right now.
As the Titans prepare for their season opener against the Jets, the focus will be on the field, but the thoughts of many will be with Johnson and his family. We’re certainly keeping CJ2K in our thoughts and prayers.
