Steve Gleason is a former New Orleans Saints football player, disability advocate, and author. He is known for a famous blocked punt during the Saints’ first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. He later became widely known for his work helping people with ALS and other disabilities.
Steve Gleason at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Stephen Michael Gleason |
| Born | March 19, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Spokane, Washington |
| Profession | Former NFL player, disability advocate, author |
| College | Washington State University |
| NFL team | New Orleans Saints |
| NFL career | 2000–2008 |
| Spouse | Michel Varisco Gleason |
| Children | Rivers and Gray |
| Known for | 2006 blocked punt and ALS advocacy |
Early Life and Football Career
Steve Gleason was born on March 19, 1977, in Spokane, Washington. He attended Washington State University, where he played football and baseball.
At Washington State, Gleason earned four football letters. He was also a team captain for two seasons and was selected to the All-Pacific-10 Conference team three times. He finished his college football career with 282 tackles.
The New Orleans Saints signed Gleason in 2000. He played mainly as a safety and also became an important special teams player. He stayed with the Saints throughout his NFL career and left professional football in 2008.
The Famous Blocked Punt
Gleason’s most famous football moment came on September 25, 2006.
The Saints were playing the Atlanta Falcons in their first game back at the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Early in the game, Gleason blocked a Falcons punt. The Saints recovered the ball for a touchdown and went on to win 23–3.
The play became an important part of New Orleans sports history. The Superdome had been badly affected by Hurricane Katrina, and the game marked an important return for the city.
Because of this moment, Gleason became known far beyond his usual football statistics. The blocked punt remains one of the most remembered plays in Saints history.
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ALS Diagnosis and Team Gleason
In January 2011, Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. He was 33 years old.
ALS is a disease that damages nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. Over time, it can make movement, speaking, and other daily activities very difficult.
After his diagnosis, Gleason and his wife, Michel, created Team Gleason. The nonprofit works to help people with ALS and other neuromuscular conditions get access to technology, equipment, services, and new experiences.
Technology became a major part of Gleason’s work. Devices such as eye-tracking systems and speech-generating technology can help people with severe physical limits communicate and control parts of their surroundings.
Gleason also became involved in efforts to improve access to communication technology for people with disabilities.
Steve Gleason Act
In 2015, Congress passed the Steve Gleason Act. The law was designed to help people with severe disabilities keep access to speech-generating devices.
A later law, the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act, continued this work. Gleason’s advocacy helped bring more attention to the need for communication tools for people living with serious disabilities.
Awards and Recognition
Gleason has received several major honors for his advocacy work.
In 2019, Congress approved the Congressional Gold Medal for Gleason. He received the medal at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 15, 2020. The award recognized his work for people living with ALS and other disabilities.
In 2024, ESPN gave Gleason the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS. The award recognized his continued public work and advocacy after his ALS diagnosis.
In 2025, the New Orleans Saints gave Gleason the first Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. This award is separate from being inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame for a football career.
Gleason Documentary
Gleason’s life after his ALS diagnosis became the subject of the 2016 documentary Gleason.
The film follows his life with ALS and shows his family life, caregiving, communication challenges, and changing physical abilities. It also looks at his role as a husband and father.
The documentary helped many people understand the daily effects of ALS beyond the medical side of the disease.
Steve Gleason’s Book
Gleason later wrote a memoir with journalist Jeff Duncan.
The book, A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence, was published by Knopf in April 2024.
The memoir looks at Gleason’s life after his diagnosis. It covers ALS, fatherhood, technology, faith, family, and his changing view of independence.
Family Life
Steve Gleason married Michel Varisco Gleason in 2008. They have two children, Rivers and Gray.
Rivers was born in 2011, the same year Gleason was diagnosed with ALS. Gray was born in 2018.
Gleason’s family life has appeared in public interviews and in the Gleason documentary. However, only information shared publicly by reliable sources should be used when discussing his private family life.
What Is Steve Gleason Doing Now?
As of September 2026, Gleason remains connected with Team Gleason, ALS awareness, fundraising, accessibility work, and community events.
In June 2026, the New Orleans Saints reported that Gleason hosted the annual Gleason Life Skills Football Clinic. The event combines youth football activities with life-skills programs.
His public work also includes events connected with Team Gleason and Answer ALS. His work continues to focus on helping people with ALS, improving access to technology, supporting research, and raising public awareness.
Steve Gleason’s Net Worth
There is no reliable public source that confirms Steve Gleason’s personal net worth.
Some websites publish estimates, but these figures are not supported by verified financial records. They should not be treated as confirmed facts.
Team Gleason’s fundraising and financial resources are also separate from Gleason’s personal income or wealth. For that reason, there is no dependable public figure for his net worth.
How old is Steve Gleason?
Steve Gleason was born on March 19, 1977. He is 49 years old as of September 26, 2026.
What is Steve Gleason famous for?
He is best known for blocking an Atlanta Falcons punt during the Saints’ return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. He is also known for his work supporting people with ALS.
When was Steve Gleason diagnosed with ALS?
Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in January 2011. He was 33 years old.
Is Steve Gleason still involved with Team Gleason?
Yes. He remains publicly connected with ALS advocacy, accessibility, fundraising, and community programs.
Did Steve Gleason receive the Congressional Gold Medal?
Yes. He received the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol on January 15, 2020, for his advocacy and disability work.
What book did Steve Gleason write?
His memoir is A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence. He wrote it with Jeff Duncan, and Knopf published it in 2024.
Sources
Steve Gleason – New Orleans Saints Defensive Back
Editorial Note: This article was researched using publicly available sources and reviewed for accuracy and originality. Where information is limited or uncertain, we identify it carefully rather than presenting speculation as fact. For corrections or copyright concerns, please contact our editorial team.
Writting by William Foster
