Quick Answer: Who Is Steve Gleason?
Steve Gleason is a former New Orleans Saints safety and an ALS advocate. He’s best known for blocking a punt in the Saints’ first home game after Hurricane Katrina. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. He’s alive, he’s 49, and he’s still speaking up for people living with the disease.
Who Is Steve Gleason? A Short Background
The football player
The sportsman was born on March 19, 1977, in Spokane, Washington. He studied at Washington State University, where he played college football. The Indianapolis Colts organization signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and he played for the Saints from 2000 to 2006.
He was not a franchise quarterback or a star running back. He was a special teams player, rambling full speed into a pile of defenders on punts and kickoff returns. His efforts earned him a place in the hearts of Saints fans.
Outside the sport, the athlete is a husband and father of two. He is married to Michel Rae Varisco.
What Is Steve Gleason’s Latest News?
The biggest news came this week. The Saints played the Falcons on Monday night to mark 20 years since their return to the Superdome after Katrina. The team honored Gleason and former teammate Curtis Deloatch as “Legends of the Game.”
Here’s what else happened around the celebration:
- Key to the city: Mayor Moreno gave Gleason a key to the city.
- Second line parade: Gleason led a second line celebrating the anniversary of his blocked punt.
- Fundraiser: Team Gleason was the beneficiary of the game’s 50/50 raffle.
- Who Dat chant: Gleason led the Saints’ pregame chant, 20 years later.
He also sat down with ABC’s Robin Roberts. He said he’s still here, and that it surprises other people more than it surprises him.
What Is Steve Gleason’s Health Update?
Steve lives with ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It slowly weakens the muscles that control movement, speech and breathing. There’s no known cure that can stop or reverse it.
Here’s where things stand today, based on his recent interviews:
- Breathing: He uses a ventilator.
- Communication: He talks by moving his eyes on a special tablet. A cloned version of his own voice speaks for him.
- Daily life: He has described some days as brutal. He still shows up for family, fans and his foundation.
This isn’t new. He had a tracheotomy in 2014 to help his breathing. In 2024, he was moved to a hospital during Hurricane Francine and remained stable.
He was also given just a few years to live when he was diagnosed. He has now outlived that prediction by a long stretch.
This is general information, not medical advice. Check Team Gleason’s official channels for health updates.
What Is Steve Gleason’s Connection to the Saints?
His Saints tale is a single night’s story. On September 25, 2006, his block of a punt by Falcons’ punter Michael Koenen has sent the ball out of the end zone for a safety. The Superdome, still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, had hosted its first game back, and the Saints’ victory was cause for a city-wide celebration, with fans feeling that this win had come after a year of waiting.
This great moment now has its monument: the “Rebirth” statue, which has been unveiled at the stadium. Last week, Gleason got a chance to revisit the scene of the crime – and the man who provided the inspiration for the “Rebirth” statue, Koenen, was there to see him. Twenty years had passed since that memorable.
The team has shown its appreciation to Gleason in other ways as well. He was the first player to receive the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award in 2025. In addition, he has also started a new tradition called the Gleason Gras.
How Has Steve Gleason Helped Other People With ALS?
Steve turned his diagnosis into a mission. His motto is “No White Flags,” which became the mantra of Team Gleason. The foundation provides technology and support to people with ALS.
His advocacy has also changed the law. He helped push the Steve Gleason Act of 2015. That law helps people with ALS get speech-generating devices through Medicare. Congress later voted unanimously to award him the Congressional Gold Medal.
You can support the cause by donating to Team Gleason, sharing his story, or learning more from the ALS Association.
Steve Gleason FAQ
Is Steve Gleason still alive?
Yes. He’s 49 and made public appearances in New Orleans this week.
What disease does Steve Gleason have?
He has ALS, diagnosed in 2011. It affects the nerves that control muscles.
Why is Steve Gleason famous?
He blocked a punt in the Saints’ first home game after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. He later became a leading voice for ALS patients.
How does Steve Gleason communicate?
He uses eye-tracking technology on a tablet. A synthetic voice built from his own recordings speaks for him.
What is Team Gleason?
It’s the nonprofit he started. It helps people with ALS get technology, equipment and support.
Final Thoughts
Steve Gleason’s story shows how one moment on a football field can grow into a lifelong mission. This week, New Orleans reminded him how much that mission matters. Want to help? Start with the Team Gleason website below.
