Michael Strahan has responded to criticism of his interview with former NFL running back Chris Johnson. The interview aired on Good Morning America in late June, when Johnson publicly shared his ALS diagnosis.
Johnson, known as CJ2K from his years with the Tennessee Titans, spoke about the rapid progression of the disease. He used an eye tracking device during parts of the conversation. Strahan conducted the interview, which focused on Johnson’s diagnosis, his family, and his message to others facing ALS.
Some critics, including journalist Jeff Pearlman and commentator Dan Le Batard, said Strahan should have asked about a possible connection between football and ALS. Research has noted higher rates of the disease among former NFL players.
Strahan addressed the criticism this week on the Dan Patrick Show. He said the interview was Johnson’s opportunity to share his story on his own terms.
“I actually thought about that, because I saw everybody saying ‘you should have asked this, you should have asked that.’ Well you should have got the interview, how about that,” Strahan said.
He added that it was not his place to push certain topics. “It wasn’t for me to try to grand-stand. As an interviewer, our job is to deliver information. I’m not trying to get a bigger name for myself by putting somebody else in an uncomfortable position.”
Strahan said he was there to help Johnson share what he wanted people to know. “I was there as a service to Chris for what Chris wanted people to know about his life and where he was now. I was not there to make a story about myself or get a big headline.”
He noted that the focus remained on Johnson, which was the goal. Strahan also said he did ask about football and the support Johnson has received from the NFL. Johnson has twin sons who play the sport.
Strahan expressed pride in the segment and in the trust Johnson placed in the show to tell his story.