Steve Gleason

Former NFL Player, ALS Activist

American Spokane, Washington, U.S. Pisces 6 ft (1.83 m)

Quick Info

ProfessionFormer NFL Player, ALS Activist
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth19/03/1977
Age49 years
BirthplaceSpokane, Washington, U.S.
Zodiac SignPisces

Latest News about Steve Gleason

05/10/2026

Steve Gleason returned to the Superdome for the 20th anniversary of the Saints' first home game after Hurricane Katrina, marking the blocked punt that became part of franchise history. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno presented him with a key to the city, honoring both the anniversary and 15 years of advocacy through Team Gleason. He also announced a 12-song album, REBIRTH: A Song Cycle, exploring loss, love, fatherhood and reinvention.

02/07/2026

Gleason publicly supported former NFL running back Chris Johnson after Johnson revealed an ALS diagnosis. The message highlighted Gleason's ongoing advocacy and his role as a prominent source of encouragement for others facing the disease.

22/06/2026

Steve Gleason hosted his annual Gleason Life Skills Football Clinic at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in New Orleans. The clinic brought together dozens of young players and continued his long-running youth and leadership initiative through Team Gleason.

Do you like Steve Gleason?

You can vote only once.

69% like · 31% dislike

Bio/Wiki

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.
  • Returned to the Superdome on 05/10/2026 for the 20th anniversary of the Saints' 'Rebirth' game, where he was presented with a key to the city.

Physical Stats & More

Height6 ft (1.83 m)
Weight96 kg (212 lb)

Educational Qualification(s)

SchoolGonzaga Preparatory School
College/UniversityWashington State University

Personal Life

SpouseMichel Rae Varisco
ChildrenRivers Gleason, Gray Gleason

Relationships & More

SpouseMichel Rae Varisco
SonRivers Gleason
DaughterGray Gleason

Career

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.
  • Appeared on ESPN's ManningCast during the Falcons vs Saints game on 05/10/2026 and shared the story of his 'Rebirth' punt block.

Social Media

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stevegleasonofficial/
Twitterhttps://x.com/SteveGleason

Some Lesser Known Facts

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.
5. Announced a 12-song album titled 'REBIRTH: A Song Cycle' that explores loss, love, fatherhood and becoming someone new.

Also born on 19 March

Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top