Steve Gleason
Steve Gleason
Full Name and Common Aliases
Steve Gleason is a former American football player and advocate for those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His full name is Stephen Paul Gleason.
Birth and Death Dates
Steve Gleason was born on May 25, 1977. Unfortunately, he passed away on June 1, 2023, at the age of 46 due to complications from ALS.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gleason holds American nationality and is a former professional football player, having played in the NFL as a safety for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2008. He is also an advocate and activist for those affected by ALS.
Early Life and Background
Steve Gleason grew up in Seattle, Washington, where he attended Bishop Blanchet High School. He was an exceptional athlete from a young age, participating in multiple sports including football, basketball, and track. His passion for football led him to play college ball at Washington State University, where he earned All-American honors.
Major Accomplishments
Gleason's most notable achievement is his 64-yard punt return touchdown on September 25, 2006, against the Atlanta Falcons. This historic moment made him a beloved figure in New Orleans and cemented his place in NFL history.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his football career, Gleason has been an outspoken advocate for ALS awareness and research. He co-founded Team Gleason, a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to individuals with ALS and their families. Through this work, he has inspired countless others to join the fight against this debilitating disease.
Impact and Legacy
Steve Gleason's impact extends far beyond his football career. His unwavering dedication to raising awareness about ALS has helped bring attention to this often-overlooked condition. He has used his platform to promote research, support those affected by ALS, and provide hope for a future cure.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Steve Gleason is widely quoted and remembered for his courage in the face of adversity. His resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, particularly those battling ALS. Through his tireless advocacy and philanthropic efforts, he has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and families affected by this disease.
As a former football player turned advocate, Steve Gleason's story is one of hope, perseverance, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire others long after his passing, serving as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward.
Quotes by Steve Gleason
ALS does not affect cognitive process. Stephen Hawking, one of smartest people on the planet, has ALS. It rarely affects the eyes. It doesn’t affect senses like hearing, taste and touch.
Life is difficult. Not just for me or other ALS patients. Life is difficult for everyone. Finding ways to make life meaningful and purposeful and rewarding, doing the activities that you love and spending time with the people that you love – I think that’s the meaning of this human experience.
If we have a purpose in life beyond being a cog in the human machine, mine is to help inspire people and that’s pretty cool. I would like to motivate the world.
To cure ALS medically is not economical. The realities are that it’s difficult to find funding for research for a medical cure. I believe in developing technology as opposed to medical research. Technology can be economical.
I'm afraid to walk in public, because people look at me. But I'm not going to stop. I'm afraid because if I want to commune with my friend Shad (Meier), I have to ask him to cut my chicken for me. But I did it. And I'm afraid to go back and see my teammates and coaches because I know that I'll feel envy. But I'm going to do it anyway. Because fear is just a feeling, and if you can acknowledge that fear, digest that fear and overcome it, the rewards are incredible.
