Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason has been selected to receive the 2024 Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS, it was announced Thursday. This prestigious award is given to individuals “whose contributions transcend sports,” reflecting the spirit of Arthur Ashe, a tennis legend known for his strength, courage, and willingness to stand up for his beliefs in the face of adversity.
Gleason, who played for the Saints from 2000 to 2008, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually robbing a person of the ability to move, talk, or breathe. The disease is considered terminal, and currently, there is no cure.
“Over the past 13 years, I’ve been documenting our journey with ALS. My aim has always been to see if we can discover peace and freedom with a love of life, in the midst of extreme adversity. Being recognized at The 2024 ESPYS is not just an honor, but a powerful platform to further help and serve others. Thank you, ESPN, for this incredible accolade,” Gleason wrote in a statement posted to Instagram.
Following his diagnosis, Gleason and his wife, Michel, founded the nonprofit organization Team Gleason. The organization’s mission is to improve life for others living with ALS by providing technology, equipment, and support services. One of the significant achievements of Team Gleason is the successful lobbying for the Steve Gleason Act, passed in 2018, which ensures the availability of life-sustaining communication devices such as eye-tracking technology that allows individuals like Gleason to communicate using only their eyes.
In 2020, Gleason became the first football player to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded to civilians, for his advocacy work with ALS. His contributions to ALS awareness and support have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous accolades, including the George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers Association in 2015.
Gleason’s impact on the field is also memorable. He is most known for his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the Saints’ first game back after the Superdome reopened in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. This moment became a symbol of recovery and resilience for the city of New Orleans, and a statue depicting the moment was erected on the Superdome concourse in 2014.
A documentary about Gleason’s life, titled “Gleason,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. His memoir, “A Life Impossible,” co-written with Jeff Duncan, was released in April 2024. The book chronicles his life before and after his ALS diagnosis, and Gleason wrote it solely using his eyes, via a keyboard equipped with eye-tracking software.
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award, first given in 1993, has honored many individuals who have made a significant impact beyond the field of play. Past recipients include Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Pat Tillman, Nelson Mandela, and the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse survivors. The award is presented to those who possess “strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril, and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost,” according to ESPN.
The 2024 ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, will air live on Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. In addition to Gleason, other honorees include University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, who will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Gleason’s journey with ALS has been one of resilience, advocacy, and inspiration. His efforts to improve the lives of others living with ALS and his determination to find peace and freedom in the midst of extreme adversity have made him a deserving recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. As he continues to use his platform to raise awareness and support for ALS, Gleason’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and impact many lives.
Source: ESPN, AP News
