The former NFL star, 40, shared his diagnosis in an interview on "Good Morning America" on Monday, June 29
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NEED TO KNOW
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Chris Johnson is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge
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The former NFL star, who revealed that he has ALS, asked them to restart the popular challenge
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Former running back Marshawn Lynch immediately accepted the challenge
Chris Johnson’s friends are showing up for him, days after the former NFL star revealed that he has ALS.
In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, July 1, Johnson, 40, challenged Marshawn Lynch, Adam “Pacman” Jones and former teammate LenDale White to restart the viral Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014.
“Man… the love y’all have shown me these last few days really mean more than you know,” Johnson wrote in his post. “Me and my family appreciate every prayer, message and every bit of support.”
Alongside his caption, Johnson shared a video from former Utah basketball player Hunter Mecum, who started the Challenge in honor of "CJ2K," who was “the first player I ever took in fantasy football,” he said.
Mecum added, “I love you.”
Credit: Good Morning America
Inspired by Mecum’s initiative, Johnson then challenged his friends.
“After seeing @huntermecum video, I’m asking y’all to help me with something,” he wrote. “Let’s bring back the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Grab a bucket, challenge 3 people and if you can, donate to help fund ALS research.”
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Lynch, 40, immediately accepted the challenge.
In a guest spot on Good Morning America on Monday, June 29, the former Tennessee Titans running back shared his heartbreaking health news.
“I want people to know that I'm still me,” Chris told Michael Strahan in a pre-taped interview. “ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am.”
Johnson, who ran a record 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine, was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 at age 39, after first noticing weakness in his right hand. At the time, he was in the prime of his life, exercising daily and spending time with the four children he shares with wife Brittany.
“At first it was little things like my grip didn't feel right, and I wasn't as strong as I'd always been," he recalled.
Brittany initially suspected the symptoms were related to the wear and tear of his time in the NFL.
“I thought because of football and his career that it has to be something with that,” she said. “Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS.”
Since being diagnosed, Johnson has lost his ability to speak and now uses a speech-generating device controlled by his eyes to communicate.
“It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined,” he said. “I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. Just over a year ago I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she could make a wish with her birthday cake. Today, I couldn't do that.”
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