Let’s be real, 49ers fans, this isn’t the first and last time that fans have been exposed to the evil that follows those who are diagnosed with ALS in their life.
I, along with countless other 49ers fans, remember the horrible way it took one of our most beloved legends, Dwight Clark.
49ers Fans Know Too Well About ALS & Damage Left Behind
I was at Levi’s Stadium when it was announced he had it, and I can remember his speech vividly as if it were still today, his voice tired and staggered. Like everything, he fought to get his message out, and supporting him that day were all the 49ers legends from the Super Bowl era.
We saw how quickly Dwight Clark declined from there, and like most fans, we were devastated at his quick decline and death. ALS is quite a tricky disease, as sometimes you don’t know how much time you have left on this earth.
There are those like Sarah Langs, who contracted ALS some years ago, but has still been able to defy odds and continue her mission of ALS awareness and finding a cure, all while still doing what she loves most, reporting on sports.
ALS Doesn’t Care
The purpose of this article is to remind everyone that not all cleats are filled equally; ALS doesn’t care who you are, what you do, who you were, or what plans you had. Most recently, Chris Johnson, a former Tennessee Titans superstar, revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS. At first, I couldn’t believe the reports as he’s only 39 years old and in such great shape. He seemed like the running back that wouldn’t engage in contact, so I don’t remember him having many head injuries or concussions, but he probably had more than I could remember.
The news of his being diagnosed with ALS was scary as well because it makes you wonder how much of this sport will leave us with legends who won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Sarah Langs was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 at the young age of 28, so I’ve always feared the diagnosis could affect a lot more people I knew and idolized.
No Easy Way About It
Credit: Plugged Soundz (@pluggedsoundz)-InstagramSince the revealing of his ALS diagnosis, Chris Johnson has received nothing but love and support on his journey to awareness and finding a way to beat this disease. I feel like Chris Johnson will attack ALS the way he and Dwight Clark did against defenders, since there weren’t many who could contain them on the field. If you don’t follow Sarah Langs for her sports takes, usually baseball, but it’s still very enriching in originality and thought. Even though she has battled the disease for years, Sarah has brought various attention to how evil ALS can be, and how we can help.
We should all strive to have the courage and strength these empowering individuals possess. Steve Gleason is another great follow, as he’s an icon in advancing ALS funding and research. He was a previous player on the New Orleans roster who brought joy to the city after Hurricane Katrina and their Super Bowl run.
Years after playing, Steve was diagnosed with ALS, and since then, he’s documented his struggles while still raising his kids and carrying on a family.
Bringing Back the Ice Bucket Challenge
Stories like Chris Johnson’s ALS reveal make you want to hug your child, mom, dad, or significant other & remind them you’ll never leave their side in their struggle & battle. All of the love and compassion have even led to the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ being reignited on social media, which has brought thousands of dollars over the years to help fund a breakthrough and eventual cure for ALS, also known as Lui Ghirig’s disease. 49ers fans across the board, I know, are wishing Chris Johnson the best.
Wishing him a speedy recovery would be a disservice to the disease itself, as we all know that this might not be an option for the 2,000-yard rusher. I praise Chris Johnson for having the dignity to acknowledge he’s struggling with the diagnosis & bringing to light ALS, its eventual darkness, and end.
All in When It Comes to ALS
Dwight Clark was quite the consummate gentleman, and I only say that because I’ve met him more than a handful of times while growing up around the 49ers organization. After Dwight passed from ALS, I wept not because he was gone, but more so because many other great fans and people alike would miss out on meeting such a great person.
I fear the same for Chris Johnson as well on his journey with his battle with ALS, but like those 2,000 yards, his legacy is already in the books. Rest up, Chris Johnson. We got you. 49ers fans, Titans fans, and NFL enthusiasts know greatness has cemented his name in NFL lore.
Much love and prayers to the families of Sarah Langs, Dwight Clark, Steve Gleason, and Chris Johnson, and all those affected by the horrible disease of ALS.
I’m not crying, you are.
