Chicago Bears great Matt Forte has taken part in the latest initiative to take hold among the NFL’s former players.
Their efforts have been in support of NFL legend Chris Johnson. Johnson, the former Tennessee Titans star, announced recently that he has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
Johnson’s situation has brought renewed attention to football and brain injuries.
Former Bears Star Matt Forte Joins Ice Bucket Challenge
Matt Forte Challenges Bears Past & Present
Forte, who played for the Bears from 2008 through 2015, is one of several stars who have taken on the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” a viral movement that began in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS and has received new life in the wake of Johnson’s revelation on “Good Morning America.”
Johnson’s daughter was the first to participate after the icon pushed for the effort following someone doing so in a show of support.
It has certainly grown since
“This is not a social media fad… we’re praying for REAL support and REAL change in finding a cure for this terrible disease,” Forte captioned his post on Instagram on July 4. “@chrisjohnsontwo8 we love you brother!!!! @tommieharris and all current and former @chicagobears teammates it’s your turn!!!”
Forte echoed a similar message during the video, which has drawn national attention, while the NFL has taken notice of the movement.
“NFL legends have relaunched the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS after Chris Johnson revealed his diagnosis,” Yahoo Sports posted on X on July 5, including pictures of some of the participants.
“Deion Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Marshawn Lynch and Matt Forte are among those who have participated [hands raised emoji].”
Former NFL safety Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed in 2011, has supported Johnson, too.
Forte, who also hosts a podcast that explores the intersection of sports and religion called “Tuesday Morning RB” presented by Sports Spectrum, is the only Bears player past or present to participate so far.
What is ALS?
Johnson’s situation has reignited conversations about the links between football, specifically the repeated blows to the head during the game, and brain injuries. CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) has headlined those discussions, but ALS has gained attention.
Per MayoClinic.com, “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a-my-o-TROE-fik LAT-ur-ul skluh-ROE-sis) is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
“The disease leads to muscle weakness and other symptoms that get worse over time.”
The website continues, “There’s no way to prevent ALS. Experts don’t know exactly what causes the disease in most people. Researchers are actively studying the genes and other factors related to ALS.”
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