Former NFL running back Chris Johnson is spearheading a revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge in his ongoing fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Johnson, who announced his diagnosis with the fatal nervous system disease earlier this week, aims to rekindle the viral campaign that galvanized public support and fundraising in 2014.
Johnson shared his plea for renewed participation in an Instagram post on Wednesday, two days after revealing his diagnosis on "Good Morning America." He stated that seeing a video of former Utah men's basketball player Hunter Mecum taking the challenge inspired him to reignite the movement. The ALS Therapy Development Institute reported that the original Ice Bucket Challenge campaign raised an estimated $135 million in the United States and $220 million globally.
"The support you’ve shown me over the last few days has meant more than I can put into words," Johnson said in his post. "Seeing this video reminded me of something powerful. Years ago, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge united millions of people around one cause and helped change the fighting against this disease. Today, I’m asking you to help me do it again."
Johnson has already nominated former NFL players Marshawn Lynch, LenDale White, and Adam "Pacman" Jones to take on the challenge. He later posted videos on Instagram Story showing White and others participating.
Johnson, a first-round draft pick in 2008, had a 10-year career in the NFL, including stints with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals. He amassed 9,651 rushing yards and was named The Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 after rushing for 2,006 yards. He disclosed that he was diagnosed with ALS last year.