Former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets running back Chris Johnson has publicly called for the return of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral fundraising campaign that swept the globe in 2014. Johnson, who revealed his own ALS diagnosis in 2025, shared his plea on social media, emphasizing the need to reignite global support for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. The disease, which impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, has already affected his ability to speak, now requiring him to use a speech-synthesizing device.
The Ice Bucket Challenge became a cultural phenomenon a decade ago, with participants dumping buckets of ice water on themselves, filming the act, and nominating others to do the same. According to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the campaign generated approximately $135 million in the U.S. and $220 million worldwide, significantly advancing research efforts. Johnson, who amassed 9,651 rushing yards over his 10-season NFL career and became the sixth player in league history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season (2009), has nominated fellow athletes Marshawn Lynch, Lendale White, and Adam "Pacman" Jones to take up the challenge. In his post, he expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received, stating that the original movement united millions and transformed the fight against ALS—urging fans and athletes alike to help revive its impact.