Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason has been selected to receive the 2024 Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS, a prestigious honor recognizing individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The announcement was made on Thursday, and the award will be presented during the ESPYS ceremony on July 11, 2024.
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award, first given in 1993, is named after the legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe, who was known for his strength, courage, and advocacy in the face of adversity. The award is intended to honor those who reflect Ashe’s spirit and possess the willingness to stand up for their beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Steve 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 leading to the loss of the ability to move, talk, or breathe. The disease is currently considered terminal, with no known cure.
Despite his diagnosis, Gleason has become a beacon of hope and resilience. He and his wife, Michel, founded the nonprofit organization Team Gleason, which aims to improve the lives of those living with ALS by providing technology, equipment, and support services. One of the organization’s significant achievements 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 with ALS to communicate using only their eyes.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Gleason expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “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’s impact extends beyond his advocacy work. In 2020, he became the first football player to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded to civilians, for his contributions to ALS awareness. His life and journey with ALS were also the subject of a documentary titled “Gleason,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. Additionally, his memoir, “A Life Impossible,” co-written with Jeff Duncan, was released in April 2024.
One of Gleason’s most memorable moments on the field came during the Saints’ first game back at the Superdome in 2006, following Hurricane Katrina. Gleason blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons, a play that became a symbol of hope and recovery for the city of New Orleans. A statue depicting this iconic moment was erected on the Superdome concourse in 2014.
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is not limited to sports-related achievements but recognizes individuals whose contributions have a broader impact. Past recipients include the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse survivors, Bill Russell, Kevin Love, Maya Moore, Vitali Klitschko, and the U.S. women’s national soccer team. The award celebrates those who have made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they believe in.
The 2024 ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, will air live on ABC on July 11 at 8 p.m. ET. 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 marked by his unwavering determination to find peace and freedom in the face of extreme adversity. His work through Team Gleason has provided invaluable support to those living with ALS, and his advocacy has led to significant legislative changes that ensure access to essential communication devices.
As Gleason continues to inspire others with his courage and resilience, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award serves as a testament to his enduring impact. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, no matter the challenges.
Source: ESPN, AP News
