Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason is a former professional American football player who played as a safety for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 19, 1977, in Spokane, Washington, Gleason is widely recognized for his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and his advocacy for patients suffering from the disease through his foundation, Team Gleason.

Early Life and Education

Gleason was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Gonzaga Preparatory School. He excelled in football, baseball, and basketball during his high school years. After graduating, Gleason attended Washington State University, where he played for the Washington State Cougars football team. His performance in college football was notable, leading to his selection in the NFL.

Professional Career

Gleason was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000 but was later released. He found a home with the New Orleans Saints, where he played from 2000 to 2008. Although primarily a special teams player, Gleason is best remembered for his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006, during the Saints' first home game in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. This play symbolized the resilience of the city of New Orleans and became an iconic moment in NFL history.

ALS Diagnosis and Advocacy

In 2011, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Following his diagnosis, Gleason publicly announced his condition in 2011 and has since become a prominent advocate for ALS awareness and research.

He founded Team Gleason, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing technology, equipment, and services to individuals living with ALS and other related neuromuscular diseases. Team Gleason also focuses on raising public awareness about the disease and has been instrumental in funding research towards finding a cure.

Legacy

Steve Gleason's impact extends beyond the football field and his work with ALS. In 2015, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, for his contributions to ALS awareness and research. His story has been the subject of documentaries and has inspired countless individuals, both within and outside the sports community.

Gleason's number 37 jersey was retired by the New Orleans Saints, an honor that underscores his significance to the team and the city of New Orleans. His legacy is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

See Also

• National Football League
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• New Orleans Saints
• Washington State Cougars football