Steve Gleason
Affiliations: Former NFL player (New Orleans Saints), Answer ALS, Team Gleason
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
ALS Diagnosis: January 2011
Steve Gleason is a co-founder of Team Gleason and Answer ALS, and a former safety for the New Orleans Saints. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2020, has received numerous honors, including the Arthur Ashe ESPY Award for Courage, and is an author, speaker, and co-produced the award-winning film, Gleason.
About
Following his diagnosis in January 2011, Steve established Team Gleason to manage the distribution of advanced technology and equipment to the ALS community. He also co-founded Answer ALS, where he spearheaded the initiative to build the world's largest open-source clinical and genomic data resource.
In addition to his executive roles, Steve led the legislative effort for the Steve Gleason Act, ensuring patient access to speech-generating devices. His leadership in the
development of assistive technology, including eye-tracking wheelchair controls, resulted in his receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Prior to leading these foundations, Steve spent eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He is best known for his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons during the Superdome’s reopening in 2006, which became a defining symbol of the city’s resilience following Hurricane Katrina. He currently directs foundation operations from his base in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he lives with his wife, Michel.
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