Steve Gleason reflects on 15 years living with ALS (ABC News and Getty Images)
25, 2006, he blocked Michael Koenen’s punt in the first quarter against Atlanta. Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball in the end zone, giving New Orleans its first touchdown in a 23-3 victory. Gleason’s place in Saints history was secured during the team’s first home game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. On Sept.
New Orleans Saints legend Steve Gleason is marking 20 years since one of the most important plays in franchise history while reflecting on a very different battle that began five years later. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, but the blocked punt he made against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006 eventually became much more than a defining football moment. Now, 15 years into his diagnosis, he says his life still holds plenty of meaning. He believes the visibility from that play eventually helped Team Gleason, the nonprofit he founded in 2011 to support people living with ALS.
“If I do not block that punt, I am another former special teams player, a has-been football guy,” Gleason said. Some days are brutal,” Gleason said, speaking with Roberts. Brigance, Eric Stevens, Steve Smith, others,” Gleason said. He and Deloatch will be honored as “Legends of the Game,” while Team Gleason will benefit from the game’s 50/50 raffle.
In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, Gleason explained how that play helped give him a public platform for Team Gleason and connected him with other NFL players facing ALS. “When the ALS came I probably fade away quietly and die anonymously. “I cannot move, talk, or breathe on my own. “And still, this is a miraculous, wonderful life. … I wake up, I watch the sunrise, I am with [my wife] Michel, [kids] Rivers and Gray. I get to love this life and the people in it. “Chris Johnson is my NFL brother. Tim Shaw, O.J. “More importantly, they are my fellow humans. When ALS enters your life, it is a tsunami of emotions. I want everyone in their families to know they are not alone. Gleason will return to the Superdome with his family as the Saints mark the 20th anniversary of their return following Katrina.