Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson recently revealed his ALS diagnosis, which drew support from across the NFL world. Hall of Fame Deion Sanders also sent his support to Johnson in a unique way that drew criticism from the fans.

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes recently posted a video on his social media account on July 5 to showcase his support for Johnson. He took up the ice-bucket challenge to further spread awareness about Lou Gehrig’s disease.

"And if we could use something foolish like this cause, CJ is gonna come through, I know he's gonna come through, he's gonna win this battle,” Sanders said in a video posted on his Instagram account on July 5, per X post of Life and Football.

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, former Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch, and former Titans quarterback Vince Young, along with Sanders, participated in the revived Ice-Bucket challenge to raise awareness about ALS and in support of Johnson.

“I usually don't do this stuff, but I'm gonna do it today," Sanders said in the Instagram video, per X post of Life and Football. "Because these men mean so much to me, and CJ2K means so much to so many people, as well as myself. I can't help but do it. So let's go." 

Johnson announced his diagnosis during a Good Morning America interview on June 29, where he used eye movements to trigger a speech-generating machine that used his voice to speak.

He earned the nickname "CJ2K" because of his historic record of 358 carries for 2,006 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009 with the Titans.

Coach Prime joined the challenge as he was diagnosed with a life-threatening health condition (bladder cancer) in July 2025, which required him to undergo a radical cystectomy surgery that used part of his intestine to reconstruct his bladder.

Though Sanders intended to be supportive of the former NFL player and raise awareness about the disease, fans gave a mixed reaction to his attempt at this challenge, as he recently revealed that he was cancer-free.

Fans split over Deion Sanders' tribute to Chris Johnson

One fan criticized Sanders for wearing a Cowboys hat during the challenge, arguing that it took away from the spirit of having ice-cold water poured over his head.

"TAKE THE HAT OFF," one fan wrote.

One fan came to Sanders' support, speaking to how the intentions of the coach were never in the wrong place.

"ya'll always got something negative to say bout Prime...yes, can he be annoying at times, sure, but he's a good dude... let the man live!" one fan wrote.

One fan simply appreciated him for extending his support to Johnson.

"Love seeing this," one fan commented.

Another fan had a mixed reaction, as he acknowledged Sanders for stepping up to do the challenge despite his current health condition.

"Deion is sick himself and goes through loads of pain and medical problems, but stays positive and energetic; his haters are sick mentally," another fan commented.

Another fan called out Colorado Buffalo's disappointing 3-9 record in the 2025 season, projecting Texas Tech victory this season.

"One more losing season in this clan will be in Texas permanently," another fan wrote.

As opinions varied online, Sanders' gesture continued to spark conversations about both Johnson's diagnosis and ALS awareness.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote