Chris Johnson relaunches ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Former NFL star Chris Johnson has launched a public effort to revive the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for research just days after revealing his own diagnosis with the progressive neurological disease. The retired running back, who played ten seasons primarily with the Tennessee Titans, disclosed his condition in an emotional interview on "Good Morning America" this week.

Johnson, 39, said he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) last year. He told interviewer Michael Strahan that there is no history of the disease in his family, and his doctors believe his case is sporadic ALS, the most common form. The condition, which affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles, has progressed quickly. Johnson now uses a speech-generating device to communicate but has maintained a determined public stance, stating that a person has two choices: to give up or to fight. He said he chose to fight.

Inspired by a fan's social media video, Johnson publicly called for the return of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge, which in 2014 raised an estimated $220 million globally for ALS research. He made the appeal on Instagram and X, writing...