Steve Gleason

Date of Birth: March 19, 1977

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Steve Gleason is a former professional American football player and a prominent advocate for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Born on March 19, 1977, in Spokane, Washington, Gleason rose to fame as a special teams player for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He is most famous for his blocked punt during a 2006 game against the Atlanta Falcons, a play that became a symbol of hope and resilience for the city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Gleason played college football at Washington State University before joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played seven seasons with the Saints, becoming a fan favorite for his tenacity and dedication on the field. In 2011, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that has severely affected his mobility and speech. Despite his diagnosis, Gleason has become an inspirational figure through his advocacy work. He founded Team Gleason, a non-profit organization that provides support and technology to people living with ALS. His life and struggles were documented in the critically acclaimed 2016 film “Gleason,” which highlighted his determination to live life to the fullest and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.

5 Interesting Facts about Steve Gleason

1. Steve Gleason blocked a punt in a 2006 game against the Atlanta Falcons, which became one of the most iconic plays in New Orleans Saints history.

2. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and has since become a leading advocate for ALS research and patient support.

3. He founded Team Gleason, a non-profit organization that helps provide technology and services to people living with ALS.

4. Gleason received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

5. His journey and battle with ALS were chronicled in the documentary “Gleason,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Steve Gleason

1. “No white flags.”

2. “Life is not supposed to be easy. Life is designed to test our commitment to our principles.”

3. “I believe that we all have a purpose, and I believe that if we are fortunate enough to find that purpose, we can find true joy.”

4. “ALS is a disease that is tough on the body, but it can’t touch the spirit.”

5. “My philosophy is: ‘Find a way.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Steve Gleason’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Steve Gleason has two children with his wife, Michel Varisco. Their first child, Rivers Gleason, was born in 2011, shortly after Steve’s ALS diagnosis. Their second child, a daughter named Gray Varisco-Gleason, was born in 2018.