Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason remains one of the most inspirational figures in NFL history. Fans who recently saw Gleason and wondered why he uses a wheelchair and assistive technology should know that the former Saints player has been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for more than 15 years.
What Happened to Steve Gleason?
Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in January 2011, several years after his NFL career ended.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. As the disease progresses, patients can lose their ability to walk, move, speak and eventually breathe independently.
Gleason’s condition has progressed significantly since his diagnosis. He now uses a wheelchair and relies on sophisticated assistive technology, including eye-tracking equipment, to communicate.
Is Steve Gleason Still Alive?
Yes. Steve Gleason is still alive in 2026 and continues to be a prominent advocate for people living with ALS.
His longevity is particularly notable because ALS progression and survival can vary considerably from person to person. Gleason has lived with the disease for more than 15 years since his 2011 diagnosis.
Steve Gleason Returns to the Superdome
Gleason returned to the Superdome in October 2026 as the New Orleans Saints commemorated the 20th anniversary of his legendary blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons.
The original play occurred on September 25, 2006, during the Saints’ first regular-season game back at the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina.
Early in the game, Gleason broke through Atlanta’s protection and blocked a punt by Michael Koenen. Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball in the end zone for a Saints touchdown.
New Orleans went on to defeat Atlanta 23-3.
The blocked punt became much more than a football play. It became a symbol of the Saints’ return to New Orleans and the city’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina.
A statue outside the Superdome, titled “Rebirth,” immortalizes the moment.
Who Is Steve Gleason?
Gleason played safety and special teams for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 through 2007 after playing college football at Washington State.
Although he was never one of the NFL’s biggest statistical stars, his special-teams contributions — particularly the famous 2006 blocked punt — made him a beloved figure among Saints fans.
His influence became even greater following his ALS diagnosis.
What Is Team Gleason?
Following his diagnosis, Gleason and his supporters established Team Gleason, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with ALS.
The organization has helped provide assistive technology, equipment, services and experiences to people affected by the disease.
Gleason has also become a leading advocate for making communication technology more accessible to people who lose their ability to speak because of ALS and other neurological conditions.
Steve Gleason Received the Congressional Gold Medal
Gleason’s advocacy has received national recognition.
In 2020, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the United States Congress, recognizing his work as an advocate for people living with ALS.
He was also presented with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
Steve Gleason’s Legacy Goes Beyond Football
For Saints fans, Steve Gleason will always be associated with one of the most emotional moments in franchise history.
His blocked punt against Atlanta helped symbolize the rebirth of professional football in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
But Gleason’s impact since his football career has become even larger.
More than 15 years after being diagnosed with ALS, Gleason continues to raise awareness of the disease while advocating for technology and resources that can improve the quality of life for people living with ALS.