Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson hit the world with devastating news in June. At the age of 40, Johnson was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative and fatal disease. With that announcement, he re-ignited the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and generate research for others who suffer the same fate.
Shortly after his announcement, the Titans announced that Johnson would be inducted into their Ring of Honor at halftime of their season opener against the New York Jets. Now, East Carolina University Director of Athletics, Jon Gilbert, has announced that Johnson's former college team will sport a decal in support of the running back this fall.
"Chris is a Pirate legend, but more importantly,
he is a special member of the ECU family, and we want him to know that Pirate Nation is with him every step of the way," Gilbert said. "The outpouring of support for Chris from across the country has been amazing to see. We hope wearing this decal will continue to raise awareness, show our support for Chris, and bring strength and encouragement to everyone impacted by ALS."
Johnson attended and played for the Pirates before he was drafted into the NFL, and he returned to the school after he retired to complete the courses needed to graduate. He wore No. 5 during his career at ECU, so the football team helmets will bear a decal depicting the number, circled in gold with his name and a ribbon.
"Chris Johnson will forever be a Pirate, and when one of our own faces a challenge like this, we stand together as one Pirate family," said Blake Harrell, ECU Football Head Coach. "Chris has inspired so many throughout his life with his exploits and accomplishments on the football field, and now he is doing it with the strength and determination he is showing in his fight. Every time our team takes the field this season, we will proudly carry his name and his fight with us."
Along with the deal, the ECU helmets will also feature American flag and American Conference decals this season.
Johnson is one of just two Pirates ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He's a member of the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame, and in 2023 was inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame in June of 2023. He became one of the most dynamic running backs to wear a Titans jersey, and he will forever be remembered as one of the top running backs in Titans' history.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: East Carolina to feature helmet decals honoring Chris Johnson in 2026
