Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason, born March 19, 1977 in Spokane, Washington, was a Safety/Special Teams player in the National Football League. He played college football at Washington State. As a free agent in 2008, Gleason retired from the NFL after eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, where he earned consecutive Greater Spokane League (GSL) Defensive MVP awards and was inducted into the Gonzaga Prep Hall of Fame. While at Washington State, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Gleason was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. After being released by the team after the preseason, he joined the New Orleans Saints' practice squad in November.

On September 25, 2006, Gleason was responsible for a pivotal moment in Saints history when he blocked a punt in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons, leading to a touchdown. This was the first score in the Saints’ first home game post-Hurricane Katrina, which had devastated New Orleans. He won the “Special Teams Player of the Year” award that year for the Saints.

Gleason formed the One Sweet World Foundation, which focuses on literacy and environmentalism. His foundation also launched “Backpacks for Hope” in response to Hurricane Katrina, providing relief to young victims. Known for donating his hair to “Locks for Love,” Gleason regularly contributed to creating wigs for children with cancer.

After retiring, Gleason pursued his Master of Business Administration degree at Tulane University. Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in January 2011, he and his wife, Michel, established “Team Gleason,” a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those affected by ALS and related diseases. His journey with ALS was chronicled in the 2016 documentary “Gleason.”

In 2015, he played a pivotal role in the passage of “The Steve Gleason Act,” which ensures the availability of communication devices for those needing life-sustaining support. Gleason’s advocacy efforts have significantly raised ALS awareness, influencing agendas at both Congressional and United Nations levels.

In 2019, Gleason received a Congressional Gold Medal, becoming the first NFL player to be awarded this civilian honor. Additionally, he was named the Inspiration of the Year by Sports Illustrated, recognizing his influential work and resilience.