NFL supporters fuel a fresh surge in the viral effort begun in 2014 by three individuals who did not witness its comeback; numerous contributors donating $28 to mark Johnson's jersey number

/PRNewswire/ - The Ice Bucket Challenge has returned, and NFL fans are leading the effort this time. After former NFL star Chris Johnson shared his ALS diagnosis on Good Morning America this week and urged a revival of the challenge, the ALS Association reports donations have tripled from usual amounts, with 25 percent more contributions from men than typical - a change that highlights football enthusiasts rallying behind one of their own. Numerous donors are contributing exactly $28 as a nod to Johnson's jersey number.

Dozens of Ice Bucket Challenge videos have appeared within days, featuring Marshawn Lynch, LenDale White, and Johnson's daughter - who tagged LeBron James - among those taking part. The initial push came from a supporter: Hunter Mecum, a former Utah men's basketball player, shared an ice bucket video honoring Johnson. Johnson noticed it and invited everyone to participate.

This revival marks a meaningful full-circle event. The 2014 challenge originated from three young men with ALS - Anthony Senerchia, Pete Frates, and Pat Quinn - who motivated over 17 million participants and generated $115 million for the ALS Association. All three have since died from the condition. Johnson now carries forward the momentum they created.

The initial challenge sped up progress against ALS: a treatment now exists for one genetic type of the disease, numerous potential therapies are advancing, and specialized ALS clinics across the country have more than doubled. Yet ALS stays 100 percent fatal and can affect anyone at any moment.

WHO: Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association, is available for interviews on the resurgence, the giving surge, and what a second wave of funding could mean for people living with ALS today.

WHAT: Interviews, giving data, and background on the Ice Bucket Challenge revival sparked by Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis.

WHEN: Available immediately and on short notice, including holiday weekends.

WHERE: In person, via video, or by phone. Background and some of the newest Ice Bucket Challenge videos are available at als.org/IBC.

About the ALS Association: The ALS Association is the largest ALS organization in the world. The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The mission of the ALS Association is to make ALS livable and cure it. For more information about the ALS Association, visit our website at www.als.org.

SOURCE The ALS Association