Ex-NFL Star Larry Johnson Fights Memory Loss, Intrusive Thoughts

Larry Johnson, once a dominant NFL running back, is now confronting severe memory loss and intrusive thoughts, suspecting the lasting toll of professional football on his brain. At age 46, Johnson can recall little of his career, with his memory sharply declining after 2006.

His struggles echo the growing awareness of CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head impacts. A recent study revealed that 74.5% of deceased former NFL players examined between 2008 and 2023 had CTE. Johnson's condition has led him to isolate himself and cope with self-medication, though his family and former NFL disability benefits have provided support.

Johnson's current life is marked by confusion and sensitivity to stimuli, but he has developed coping mechanisms, including reliance on his daughter and wife. He advocates for an app to connect former players facing mental health challenges, aiming to destigmatize the issue and foster open discussion within the community.

Despite advancements in player safety, Johnson remains haunted by the physical aftermath experienced by other athletes, such as Chris Johnson's ALS battle. He is exploring ways to monitor his neurological condition, even considering testing for CTE while alive to better understand the damage.