Chris Johnson Revives Ice Bucket Challenge to Raise ALS Awareness

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced on “Good Morning America” that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and posted an Instagram video urging a return of the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge. He challenged All-Pro Marshawn Lynch, Titans teammates LenDale White and Adam “Pacman” Jones, and posted his daughter Honey Love taking the plunge and nominating LeBron James. Johnson framed the revival as a way to raise awareness and donations for ALS research.

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The 2014 campaign popularized a format—dump a bucket of ice water on one’s head, film it, and nominate three others. The ALS Therapy Development Institute reported $135 million raised in the United States and $220 million worldwide; other sources cite $115 million raised in 2014. About 17 million participants helped make ALS a household term and funded research, care services, and clinical trials.

The Ice Bucket Challenge Is Back: Chris Johnson restarts viral ALS campaign and challenges three fellow NFL stars

Johnson’s call produced videos from his daughter, who challenged her brothers and LeBron James, and from Lynch, White, and Jones, who posted ice-bucket clips. The Instagram story also featured former teammates being doused. Johnson’s campaign uses the hashtag #CJ2KIceBucket and links to a BeCause Fundraising Community for donations. High-profile athletes expand the reach beyond the Titans fan base.

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Johnson thanked supporters and described his condition as “sporadic ALS,” noting no family history. He used a speech-generating device to speak. He asked fans to “grab a bucket, challenge three people, and donate if you can.” The ALS Therapy Development Institute reiterated the historic fundraising success of the original challenge, underscoring the ongoing need for research funding.

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Sources differ on Johnson’s diagnosis: several reports say he was diagnosed “last year,” while another cites 2025. Fundraising totals also vary, with $135 million U.S. figures contrasted against a $115 million estimate for 2014. No source gives a detailed timeline for the campaign’s fundraising milestones or confirms participation from additional NFL figures beyond those named.

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• “Johnson posted a message on social media that laid out the mission clearly: “The support you’ve shown me over the last few days has meant more than I can put into words.” — Chris Johnson, former NFL running back

The Ice Bucket Challenge Is Back: Chris Johnson restarts viral ALS campaign and challenges three fellow NFL stars

• “There's no history of ALS in my family,” — Chris Johnson, speaking via speech-generating device

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• “I stand with you. I’m here for you.” — Marshawn Lynch, former NFL running back

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• “Years ago, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge united millions of people around one cause and helped change the fight against this disease.” — Chris Johnson

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Johnson’s team will keep promoting the #CJ2KIceBucket challenge, urging participants to tag him and donate through the BeCause platform, with the aim of sparking a second wave of viral fundraising for ALS research.

The Ice Bucket Challenge Is Back: Chris Johnson restarts viral ALS campaign and challenges three fellow NFL stars