Steve Gleason reveals the emotional truth behind his iconic Saints blocked punt and his ALS fight years later
On September 25, 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome for their first home game since Hurricane Katrina had devastated New Orleans. The team had played its home games away from the city during the 2005 season, so the return carried a much deeper meaning than a normal NFL game. Just 83 seconds into the game against the Atlanta Falcons, Gleason broke through the protection and blocked Michael Koenen’s punt with his left hand. Saints cornerback Curtis DeLoatch recovered the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown, giving New Orleans a 7-0 lead. The meaning of that play changed again when Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in January 2011.
In 2012, the Saints unveiled the “Rebirth” statue showing Gleason making the famous block. The New Orleans Saints said the statue represented the rebuilding of the city as well as Gleason’s impact. That legacy is also visible outside the Superdome.
Since then, he and his wife, Michel, have worked through the effects of the disease while building Team Gleason, which helps people with ALS and other neuromuscular conditions access technology, equipment and services.