NFL star Chris Johnson wants to bring the viral Ice Bucket Challenge back after being diagnosed with ALS.
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Taking to Instagram, Johnson challenged Marshawn Lynch, Adam "Pacman" Jones, and LenDale White to compete in the challenge. The Ice Bucket Challege went viral in 2014 for ALS research.
"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."
Johnson was inspired by former Utah basketball player Hunter Mecum, who did the challenge in his honor. Thankful for the support, the former NFL star then challenged his friends to keep the challenge moving forward. Already, he has plenty of takers.
Former NFL Star Wants to Bring Back Challenge
"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."
The call for research comes after Johnson admitted he has been struggling for some time with the disease. Johnson appeared on Good Morning America earlier this week.
"I want people to know that I'm still me," Chris said. "ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am."
The former NFL star said that he first started gaining weakness in his right hand.
"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.
His wife thought something was just wrong from his football career.
"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."
Sadly, the disease has progressed to the point where he can no longer speak.
"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."
