Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald joins ASL challenge to support former All-Pro running back Chris Johnson.
Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald joined the ASL challenge for former All-Pro running back Chris Johnson.
Johnson shared his heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), prompting current and past NFL players to bring back the ice bucket challenge to promote solidarity and donations on behalf of the former running back.
Donald was nominated to do the challenge by former Super Bowl champion running back LeSean McCoy.
In the video, Donald said that he was nominated by McCoy, accepting the challenge, and mentioned how he will be praying for Johnson.
After that, the 35-year-old nominated some of his former teammates (and potentially new teammates) to do the ASL challenge.
Donald nominated Rams’ Puka Nacua, defensive tackle Kobie Turner, and newest edge rusher, superstar Myles Garrett.
Donald has not announced whether he will return to the football field or remain retired. However, the people he nominated for the ASL challenge raise some eyebrows.
The people he did nominate all currently play for the Rams, and two of them are his former teammates in Nacua and Turner.
Donald only played with Nacua and Turner for one season (the final of his career); however, it’s clear they have remained in contract since.
The buzz surrounding his potential return started after the Rams traded for Garrett. In a blockbuster move in June, the Rams acquired Garrett. It was a power move that they hope could put them over the top in 2026.
However, that move also sparked talk of a potential return of the eight-time First Team All-Pro. Donald is still in tip-top shape, posting insane workout videos every now and then on social media.
All the signs point toward Donald making a comeback, and if he indeed puts on the pads and cleats again, opposing offenses and coordinators will have a major problem on their hands.
On paper, the Rams have everything they need to be the last team standing this upcoming season. If they were to add Donald back in the mix, the conversation could shift toward them being one of the greatest teams in franchise history.
Chris Johnson Shares ASL Diagnosis
Last week, Johnson, the former Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals running back, revealed that he has been diagnosed with ASL in an interview with ABC’s "Good Morning America."
Johnson said he was diagnosed with ASL in 2025.
"I want people to know I am still me," Johnson said. "ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am.
"If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope," Johnson said, "it is worth it."
The 40-year-old spent 10 seasons in the NFL and established himself as one of the league’s most explosive running backs.
Johnson was named a three-time Pro Bowler, a one-time All-Pro and earned AP Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 after rushing for more than 2,000 yards.
He became the sixth player in NFL history to reach the 2,000-yard rushing milestone, earning the nickname "CJ2K."
