American Football
Steve Gleason, a former American professional footballer is the living legend of NFL. Formerly, the 41-year-old Gleason played for the New Orleans Saints after being released by the Indianapolis Colts in 2000. However, after being diagnosed with ALS, his career overturned.
So, how has Steve Gleason's career turned after his diagnosis? Well, the former footballer is currently wheel-chair bound, though his achievements during his playing days are unforgettable till date. Let's know all about Steve Gleason's career, achievements, and his present status.
The high school attendant at Gonzaga Prep, Steve played on offense as a fullback while in his high school career. Besides this, he also played baseball and broke the GSL (Greater Spokane League) home run record in his senior year.
With his rasing interest in the football career, Steve Gleason went to Washington State University in 1995 and started playing as a linebacker for the 1997 team that advanced to the Rose Bowl. Though he played for WSU till 2000, Steve still holds the school records for triples.
CAPTION: Steve Gleason while active in his playing career SOURCE: Pinterest In 2000, Steve Gleason was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, however, he was released by the Colts in the preseason, which followed his contract signed with New Orleans Saints in November 2000. Gleason was also the 191st pick of the 2001 XFL Draft by Birmingham Thunderbolts, though he decided to play for the Saints.
And then playing for the Saints, Steve Gleason made the most dramatic moments in Saints history after he blocked a punt by Atlanta Falcons' punter Michael Koenen at the Superdome in 2006. Check out this video.
Well, after playing for the Saints for 8 seasons, Gleason announced his retirement in 2008 as a free agent.
Even though Steve Gleason didn't play for the Saints in 2009 that won Super Bowl XLIV, he was awarded a Super Bowl ring in 2011, as a tribute to his incredible game and team dedication.
Back in 2011, Steve revealed that he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), however, his inspiration and games even after his retirement paid him off with respect. In July 2012, a statue depicting Gleason blocking the punt was raised outside the Superdome as an honor to him.
Steve Gleason's experience with the disease was captured over a 5-year course and in 2016, it featured a documentary Gleason. Well, that's not a full stop, even Gleason was featured in an episode of the documentary series A Football Life in November 2013 that showed up his career in the NFL and battle with ALS.
In 2014, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson donated $5 million to help former Saints special-teamer Steve Gleason. And a year later, he was presented 2015 George Halas Award by Pro Football Writers Association.
CAPTION: Steve Gleason being awarded the 2015 George Halas Awar SOURCE: New Orleans Saints Currently, the former footballer lives in his house with his loveable wife, Michel Rae Varisco and his 6 years old son, Rivers.
Really, it's rare to earn such a huge respect and achievements in short-period of playing career. Also, Steve has been an idol to all the ALS patient too.
Best wishes to him.
