In the summer of 2014, the viral “Ice Bucket Challenge” raised $115 million for the ALS Association. Former NFL running back Chris “CJ2K” Johnson is attempting to revive the challenge after he announced his diagnosis with the disease.
Johnson revealed his ALS diagnosis on the Monday, June 29, episode of “Good Morning America” in an interview with former New York Giants pass-rusher Michael Strahan. On Wednesday, July 1, the former Tennessee Titans running back posted a graphic to his Instagram page thanking fans for their support before asking for help to bring back the “Ice Bucket Challenge.”
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“Years ago, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge united millions of people around one cause and helped change the fight against this disease,” the graphic says. “Today, I’m asking you to help me do it again.”
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Johnson said in the post that his idea for an Ice Bucket Challenge revival was inspired by former Utah men’s basketball player Hunter Mecum, who posted a video of himself doing the challenge in honor of the former Titans running back. Mecum said he was nominating the “2,000 active NFL players” to participate in the challenge in honor of Johnson’s 2,000-yard season in 2009.
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In the caption, CJ2K nominated former teammate and running back LenDale White, former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch and former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones to take part in the challenge.
In addition to posting a video completing the challenge, Johnson also requested donations benefiting ALS research at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. As of the time of writing, $30,007 has been raised by Johnson’s campaign.
Within 10 hours of Johnson’s post, Lynch and White posted their own videos completing the challenge. White nominated Deion Sanders, Vince Young and Mike Sims-Walker.
CHRIS JOHNSON: CJ2K’s courage through a heartbreaking ALS battle is so admirable
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Johnson also posted a video of his daughter taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge in which she nominated her brothers and NBA star LeBron James.
Johnson, 40, played 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The No. 24 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft became just the sixth running back in NFL history at the time to run for 2,000 yards in a season, when he rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009. His efforts earned him the “CJ2K” nickname.
Johnson finished his NFL career with 2,163 carries for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns. He last played during the 2017 season with the Cardinals.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The viral ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ for ALS awareness is back. Here’s why
