Former NFL Star Larry Johnson Opens Up About Brain Health Fears

Former NFL running back Larry Johnson is grappling with memory loss and intrusive thoughts as he reflects on the physical toll of his professional career. Johnson, who retired in 2011 after seven seasons in the league, stated that he can barely recall his playing days, with his memory largely fading prior to 2006 or 2007.

During his time as a standout player for the Kansas City Chiefs, the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) were not widely recognized. While CTE can currently only be diagnosed postmortem, a recent study published on Wednesday revealed that 93.5% of nearly 400 former NFL players whose brains were examined showed evidence of the degenerative disease.

Johnson carved out a formidable career following a standout college run at Penn State. After stepping into a starting role due to injuries, he set an NFL record in 2006 with 416 carries in a single season under coach Herm Edwards.

Beyond the gridiron, Johnson became known for his association with celebrity culture, serving as an ambassador for Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella record label. However, his career was also marked by controversies, public clashes with coaches, and media scrutiny before his eventual departure from the league.