Chris Johnson Revives Ice Bucket Challenge Amid ALS Diagnosis

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced on “Good Morning America” that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Two days later he posted on Instagram urging fans, teammates and others to restart the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge, nominating Marshawn Lynch, LenDale White, Adam “Pacman” Jones and sharing a video of his daughter Honey Love, who nominated LeBron James.

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The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, prompting participants to dump ice water on themselves and donate to ALS research. The ALS Therapy Development Institute reports $135 million raised in the United States and $220 million worldwide; other sources cite $115 million U.S. contributions and about 17 million participants.

The Independent

Johnson’s NFL career totals 9,651 rushing yards, 55 touchdowns and a 2,006-yard season in 2009 that earned AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. Revived challenge has raised $30,007 (USA Today), $32,000+ (Los Angeles Times) and $33,000 (Field Level Media).

ESPN

Johnson’s appeal aims to renew public focus on ALS, a disease with no cure and limited awareness. Involvement of former NFL stars expands the campaign’s reach beyond the 2014 wave, potentially increasing research funding and highlighting the disease’s rapid progression.

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

Johnson’s Instagram post thanked supporters and framed the challenge as a way to “help me do it again.” In his Good Morning America interview he said his ALS is sporadic, noted no family history, and uses a speech-generating device. Marshawn Lynch replied with a supportive message, expressing solidarity. Johnson linked to a fundraising page for the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS.

ESPN

Sources list Johnson’s age at diagnosis as 39 years in some accounts and 40 years in others; the timing is described as “last year” or 2025. Original-challenge fundraising totals differ between $115 million and $135 million U.S. figures. The revived campaign’s raised amount appears as $30,007, $32,000+, and $33,000 across reports. No source provides a full timeline of participant videos.

Ice bucket challenge gaining steam after Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis

• “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, on Good Morning America

ESPN

• “My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.” — Chris Johnson

ESPN

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

Heavy

Johnson’s team added a donation link to his bio, and the challenge is gaining traction on social media. Additional NFL alumni and celebrities are being nominated, suggesting the effort could expand over the summer and further support ALS research.

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