New Study Targets High ALS Risk in Athletes, Vets, and First Responders

NEW ORLEANS, LA – February 04, 2026 – A major nationwide research initiative, Champion Insights, officially launched today, opening enrollment to investigate a troubling and persistent medical mystery: why elite athletes, military service members, and first responders develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at significantly higher rates than the general population.

The ambitious study aims to enroll 500 individuals from these high-performance groups, who may be up to twice as likely to be diagnosed with the fatal neurodegenerative disease. Leading the charge as Participant #1 is former NFL player and renowned ALS advocate Steve Gleason, who provided his own biological sample from home to kickstart the effort.

Champion Insights is a collaborative effort led by Answer ALS and Augie's Quest to Cure ALS, with research operations managed by the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). The study is designed to move beyond statistical correlations and delve deep into the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that may explain this increased vulnerability.

The Pressing Question: Why Are Heroes at Higher Risk?

For years, data has pointed to a disturbing trend. While ALS can affect anyone, its prevalence is notably higher among those who push their bodies and minds to the absolute limit. Research has shown that military veterans are approximately 1.6 times more likely to die from ALS than non-veterans. Some studies are even more specific; a 2020 paper in Military Medicine found that post-9/11 tactical operations officers were 2.2 times more likely to develop ALS than their administrative counterparts.

This elevated risk isn't confined to the military. Professional athletes, particularly those in high-contact sports, and first responders have also been identified as populations of concern. The Champion Insights study seeks to answer the crucial question of why. Is it the intense physical exertion? Exposure to environmental toxins like lead from weapons or burn pits? The stress of repeated head trauma? Or a complex interplay of genetic predispositions triggered by these high-stress occupations?

"We have known for a long time that those who push their bodies to the absolute limit face a higher risk of ALS," said Fernando Vieira, M.D., CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of ALS TDI. "Champion Insights allows us to move beyond statistics and into the biology of the disease... Our goal is to identify the specific genetic and environmental signals that will lead us to new biomarkers and, ultimately, effective treatments."

A New Playbook for Research: Science from Home

One of the study's most innovative aspects is its decentralized, direct-to-participant model. Breaking from the traditional requirement of traveling to a clinical site, Champion Insights operates entirely remotely. Participants can enroll and contribute from their own homes, on their own schedules. The process involves using an in-home blood collection service and completing comprehensive online clinical surveys.

This model is designed to remove significant barriers to participation, making it easier to recruit the specific, often geographically dispersed, individuals needed for the study. The infrastructure for this approach is built upon the success of ALS TDI's existing ALS Research Collaborative (ARC), one of the longest-running natural history studies in ALS, which has already perfected remote data collection methods.

Participants in Champion Insights will provide data on their lifestyle, medical history, and occupational exposures, as well as biological samples. This will generate a massive dataset—including whole genome sequencing for eligible participants—that was previously unreachable. The data will be analyzed to identify unique biological signals, such as genetic factors related to intense physical activity and lipid metabolism, that could explain the increased risk.

A League of Champions: Uniting for a Cure

The initiative is being championed by a roster of prominent athletes and advocates who have been personally affected by ALS. Joining Steve Gleason as an initial participant are retired U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Matt Bellina, former NFL players Kerry Goode and Tim Green, elite runner Andrea Lytle Peet, athlete Johnny Rodriguez, and former NFL player and firefighter Eric Stevens.

Their involvement underscores the personal urgency of the research. "Ten years ago, we set out to build the most comprehensive, open ALS research effort ever, and together, we made it happen," Gleason said in a statement. "Now we're taking the next big step with Champion Insights... we remove barriers and open the door to faster, deeper understanding of why these groups are hit so hard. We believe these insights can help lead to more answers about ALS and, ultimately, treatments for everyone."

This collaborative spirit extends to the project's funding and organization. To ensure first responders are well-represented, the study secured a $100,000 grant from axeALS, a foundation started by Eric Stevens and his wife Amanda after his diagnosis. An additional $200,000 grant was provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), building on its long-standing partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Under the scientific and administrative leadership of experts from Answer ALS, Augie's Quest, and ALS TDI, the project is also establishing Scientific and Patient Advisory boards. This governance structure is designed to ensure the research remains ethically sound, methodologically rigorous, and directly relevant to the needs of the ALS community. By uniting patients, scientists, and advocacy groups, Champion Insights hopes to transform the understanding of ALS and accelerate the search for a cure for all who are affected.