Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has ALS. The running back revealed his diagnosis during a June appearance on "Good Morning America," saying he was trying experimental treatments that "might help and advance research."
In an effort to raise awareness, and an eventual cure, Johnson and his family decided to revive the Ice Bucket Challenge. The viral challenge — which was popularized in 2014 — involves an individual having ice-cold water dumped on their head. It was created by two former athletes — Pete Frates and Pat Quinn — who were diagnosed with ALS. The Ice Bucket Challenge was their way of bringing awareness to the disease and raising money for a cure.
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Johnson brought back the challenge with a video posted on social media. The video features his daughter taking on the challenge. At the end of the video, Johnson's daughter challenged two of her brothers and LeBron James to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge this time around. Part of the original challenge involved nominating others to do it next.
Given his general enthusiasm for all things, it should come as little to no surprise that former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was among the first to answer Johnson's call.
In true Lynch fashion, his Instagram post noted that "s*** was hella cold." Former USC running back — and one of Johnson's Titans teammates — LenDale White also took part in the challenge.
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Former Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James also took on the challenge, but with a twist. Instead of dumping ice-cold water on his head, James dumped thousands of dollars over his head. There was a reason for that. At the end of the video, James revealed that he was donating $9,651 to Johnson's cause. That number matched Johnson's career rushing-yard total in the NFL.
James maybe avoided the worst part of the challenge — the ice-cold water — but the strength of his donation made up for it.
The original Ice Bucket Challenge was unavoidable in 2014. Celebrities, politicians and many, many others took part in the fad in an attempt to raise awareness for ALS. Matching that same level of hype could prove difficult in 2026, but having Marshawn Lynch on your side never hurts.

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