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Generations of Bills’ RBs Support Chris Johnson with Ice Bucket Challenge

From Thurman Thomas to LeSean McCoy, former Buffalo backs have shown support for the former All-Pro after publicly announcing ALS diagnosis
Khari Demos|
Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas gets the fans fired up as the Bills Legend of the Game before the Bills take the field to take on the Jets in their last regular season game against the Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park Sunday, January 6, 2026.
Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas gets the fans fired up as the Bills Legend of the Game before the Bills take the field to take on the Jets in their last regular season game against the Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park Sunday, January 6, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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The fraternity of NFL running backs is strong. And with one’s recent health diagnosis, former Buffalo Bills backs are stepping up to support.

In one of the saddest sports stories of 2026, former NFL rushing champion Chris Johnson announced on Good Morning America that he has been suffering from ALS since 2025. Although he CAN use an AI-generated version of his own voice through his eyes, it was shocking to see how quickly Johnson’s physical condition has deteriorated.

Last week, the former Titans star's daughter, Honey Love, reignited the 2014 viral “ice bucket challenge,” which was also originally launched to bring awareness to ALS.

Marshawn Lynch

Athletes, and specifically NFL RBs, re-started the viral trend, with former Bills’ first-round pick Marshawn Lynch being one of the first of many.

”I stand with you and I’m here for you,” said Lynch in a profanity-laced message to CJ2K. “Love and respect.”

CJ Spiller

Next up was C.J. Spiller. The 2010 first-rounder shared a message to Johnson before challenging Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas and former backfield mate Fred Jackson.

”We stand with you and your family through this time,” said Spiller to Johnson, who still holds the NFL record with 2,509 scrimmage yards in a single season. “It’s only right that I join the ice bucket challenge.”

Thurman Thomas

That led to the king of all Buffalo RBs responding. Thomas not only partook, he also challenged two of the NFL’s all-time leading rushers to join in Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders.

"Chris, we're all praying for you. We know you and your family are going through a tough time right now," said Thomas. "Especially the running backs. We loved watching you play for the Tenessee Titans.

My family is here and we're going to be praying for you each and every day."

LeSean McCoy

Even former Bills' LB Shawne Merriman did his own challenge video.anecdote But arguably the most heartwarming message came from LeSean McCoy, who shared a personal annecdote about the disease.

"Chris, my good brother. Lot of love for you, man" said "Shady." "This is super important for me because I lost my grandmother to ALS, and my foundation, 'Shades of Greatness,' we have donated and teamed up with the ALS Association to raise more awareness and money for this cause."

As painful as it is to see Johnson in his current state, it has been a treat to see so many throughout the NFL community showing love and support to such a legendary figure like CJ2K.

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Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.