The Tennessee Titans are set to induct former star running back Chris Johnson into the franchise's Ring of Honor at halftime of their 2026 home opener on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Nissan Stadium. The moment comes on the heels of Johnson's public revelation in late June that he is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. When the ceremony wraps, Johnson will officially become the 20th member of the team's Ring of Honor, taking his place in front of the Nashville fans who still talk about his electric "CJ2K" breakout season.
Team announces halftime induction
In a club release, the Tennessee Titans confirmed that Johnson will be honored at halftime of the Sept. 13 opener against the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium. "Chris Johnson holds a special place in the hearts of our organization and our fans," Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. The team noted that his induction will add him to a select group, making him the franchise's 20th Ring of Honor member.
Johnson's diagnosis and public reveal
Johnson went public with his diagnosis in a June 29 interview on Good Morning America, explaining that doctors first diagnosed him last year and that the disease has progressed rapidly. He told the program he now uses his eyes to trigger a speech-generating device and said that opening up about his condition is his way of raising awareness and trying to help others caught in the same fight. The ALS Association issued a statement praising his courage and urging increased support for research and care programs.
On the field: a reminder of his peak
Across a 10-year NFL career, Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards, and his 2009 season - when he ran for 2,006 yards and piled up 2,509 yards from scrimmage - earned him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, according to Pro-Football-Reference. That season still looms large in franchise lore and in debates about his legacy. Former teammates and longtime local fans routinely bring up that stretch when they talk about his track-star speed and game-breaking runs.
Local reaction and what to expect
Local outlets and fans have rallied behind Johnson since he went public, and NewsChannel 5 noted he ranks fourth in Titans history in rushing yards (7,965) and rushing touchdowns (58). The outlet reported that the team will formally induct Johnson during halftime of the Sept. 13 game. Hoodline earlier detailed Johnson's June disclosure and the community response; see this ALS bombshell in Nashville for that coverage.
Johnson's platform and next steps
Since going public, Johnson has used his platform to raise funds and awareness for ALS, including reviving the Ice Bucket Challenge in early July, according to an Associated Press report published on NFL.com. The Titans say they will support Johnson and his family as they prepare to honor him in front of a home crowd this September.
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