Steve Gleason reflects on ALS fight at Superdome 20 years after blocked punt
7 sourcesUpdated Oct 6, 20261 min read
Steve Gleason is being honored as the New Orleans Saints mark 20 years since his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons helped turn the team’s return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina into a symbol of hope and the city’s recovery. Diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Gleason has lost the ability to move and speak independently and relies on a ventilator and assistive communication technology, yet says he continues to find meaning in life, family, creative work and advocacy. He says the visibility from the play helped him build Team Gleason, which supports people living with ALS. Reflecting on the parallels between New Orleans’ recovery and his own experience, Gleason describes learning acceptance and gratitude while continuing to face the disease.
How it spread
Seeing him still push forward with Team Gleason after all these years makes his story stand out as one of real purpose beyond the field.
Steve Gleason's blocked punt gave the city real hope back then and his work with ALS since shows how one moment can keep giving back.
