Following a heartbreaking ALS diagnosis, legendary running back Chris Johnson will join the Ring of Honor as the franchise moves swiftly to cement his historic 2,000-yard legacy.
Back in June, the Tennessee Titans community learned some heartbreaking news.
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson went on "Good Morning America" and shared that he was diagnosed with ALS last year. Johnson communicated the message through a device that converted his eye movements into speech.
I wrote an article shortly after the news that Johnson needs to have his number retired by the franchise. On Friday, Titans fans got the news they were hoping for.
Insider Jim Wyatt reported that the Titans were going to have Johnson enter the Ring of Honor this season. Johnson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of the Titans' season opener with the New York Jets.
With how aggressive ALS is, there was no time to waste.
In my opinion, this is the best way that the Titans could honor Johnson's legacy. He hit the ground running when he entered the league in 2008.
The Titans picked Johnson in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of ECU. He ran for 1,228 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie. He made the Pro Bowl, was seventh in MVP voting and came in second for the Offensive Rookie of the Year that season.
Johnson lost OROY to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who didn't have too great a season, throwing for 3,440 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
In his second NFL season, Johnson would enter the 2,000-yard club, a group not many running backs are in. He also set the NFL record for most scrimmage yards in a season, which has yet to be broken.
Johnson's 2,509 scrimmage yards have yet to be touched, although Christian McCaffrey (2,392) came close in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers.
Unfortunately, Johnson wasn't able to end his NFL career with the Titans. He was released after the 2013 season and joined the Jets.
He left the Titans fourth in career rushing yards (7,965).
After one year with the Jets, Johnson was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the final three seasons of his NFL career.
Johnson was already most likely going to be a candidate to enter the Ring of Honor someday due to what he accomplished in his playing career. However, the Titans understand how aggressive ALS can be and knew that time was of the essence.
There are few guarantees in life, and Johnson understands that better than anyone after his ALS diagnosis. One thing is certain. His legacy with the Titans will be honored forever.
This is a great move from a franchise that is very grateful to Johnson and his impact on the Titans. I expect a full Nissan Stadium to be there on Sept. 13 to welcome Johnson into the Ring of Honor with open arms.
It's very sad that a great person like Johnson was diagnosed with ALS, but that Sunday is going to be a celebration unlike any other.
No Titans fan should every forget the legacy of "CJ2K," and the Titans are making sure that never happens by entering him in the Ring of Honor.
Johnson and the legendary Coach Dave McGinnis will be inducted into the Ring of Honor this season.
Well done, Amy Adams-Strunk!
