|


|
|
07/01/26 09:45:00
Printable Page
07/01 21:44 CDT Chris Johnson seeking revival of Ice Bucket Challenge as he
continues his fight against ALS
Chris Johnson seeking revival of Ice Bucket Challenge as he continues his fight
against ALS
By The Associated Press
Former NFL star Chris Johnson is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge to
raise awareness of ALS as he fights the fatal nervous system disease.
The Ice Bucket Challenge gained popularity in the summer of 2014 as a way to
raise ALS awareness. People took a video or photo as they got a bucket of ice
water dumped on them, and they'd challenge friends or relatives to do the same.
According to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the drive helped raise an
estimated $135 million in the United States and $220 million worldwide in the
fight against ALS.
Johnson attempted to boost the cause once more in an Instagram post Wednesday,
two days after announcing on "Good Morning America" that he's dealing with ALS.
Johnson said he was inspired after watching former Utah men's basketball player
Hunter Mecum post an Instagram video in which he dumped ice water on his head
to honor the 40-year-old former running back.
"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 challenged former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch and former
Tennessee Titans teammates LenDale White and Adam "Pacman" Jones to
participate. Johnson later added Instagram Story posts showing White and others
getting doused with water.
In his "Good Morning America" interview, Johnson said he was diagnosed with ALS
last year.
The 2008 first-round draft pick from East Carolina rushed for 9,651 yards
during a 10-year career that included stints with the Titans (2008-13), New
York Jets (2014) and Arizona Cardinals (2015-17). He rushed for 2,006 yards and
was The Associated Press offensive player of the year in 2009.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
|