Steve Gleason (American Former NFL Player) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Former NFL Player, ALS Activist
Nationality	American
Date of Birth	19/03/1977
Age	49 years
Birthplace	Spokane, Washington, U.S.

You can vote only once.

Early Life	Born in Spokane, Washington. Played college football at Washington State University.
Professional Career	Signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. Played for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2008. Known for his famous blocked punt during the first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

Height	6 ft (1.83 m)
Weight	96 kg (212 lb)

School	Gonzaga Preparatory School
College/University	Washington State University

Spouse	Michel Rae Varisco
Children	Rivers Gleason, Gray Gleason

Notable Achievements	Blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2006 season, leading to the Saints' first touchdown in the reopened Superdome. Diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Founded Team Gleason, a foundation to help provide technology, equipment, and services to individuals with ALS. Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019. Published memoir 'A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence' in April 2024. Awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2024. Founded Team Gleason, a foundation that has provided over 40 million dollars in technology, equipment, and care services to individuals with ALS. Featured in the 2016 documentary 'Gleason', which chronicled his five-year journey living with ALS. Had his voice cloned by CereProc, a Scottish speech synthesis company, after losing his voice to ALS. Featured in an episode of NFL Network's documentary series 'A Football Life' in late November 2013.

Notable Achievements

Blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2006 season, leading to the Saints' first touchdown in the reopened Superdome.
Diagnosed with ALS in 2011.
Founded Team Gleason, a foundation to help provide technology, equipment, and services to individuals with ALS.
Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019.
Published memoir 'A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence' in April 2024.
Awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2024.
Founded Team Gleason, a foundation that has provided over 40 million dollars in technology, equipment, and care services to individuals with ALS.
Featured in the 2016 documentary 'Gleason', which chronicled his five-year journey living with ALS.
Had his voice cloned by CereProc, a Scottish speech synthesis company, after losing his voice to ALS.
Featured in an episode of NFL Network's documentary series 'A Football Life' in late November 2013.

1. Known for his advocacy work and raising awareness about ALS.
2. Subject of the documentary 'Gleason', which chronicles his life with ALS.
3. Had his voice cloned by CereProc after losing his voice to ALS.
4. Uses a ventilator to breathe due to ALS.