Steve Gleason
A brutal defender on Sundays and an unyielding source of hope for New Orleans.
Drafted by the Saints in 2001, Steve Gleason anchored the defense as an outside linebacker just as the team began its climb toward glory. A fierce competitor on the gridiron until amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ended his career, he refused to let go of his fire. Now a beloved figure in New Orleans, his journey beyond that life-altering diagnosis has reshaped how the city views strength and hope.
- Role
- Outside Linebacker
- Affiliation
- New Orleans Saints (2001–2006)
- Draft Year
- 2001
- Super Bowl Appearance
- Super Bowl XLIV
- Status
- Retired / ALS Advocate
- Legacy
- Gleason Foundation Founder
Lore & Background
The narrative of Gleason's life took a tragic turn in 2011 when he was diagnosed with ALS, forcing his retirement before he could experience the pinnacle of his team's success. However, his bond with the Saints remained unbreakable. In 2010, just before his final game, he helped lead the team to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLIV. Although he was unable to play due to his condition, his emotional return to the stadium for the championship win and his subsequent role as a special guest during the trophy presentation cemented his status as an eternal Saint.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome hummed with a tension that transcended the game itself. It was not just about the score; it was a homecoming. Steve Gleason, seated in a wheelchair on the sideline, watched as the defense he once commanded executed a perfect stop. As the clock ticked down to zero and the confetti began to fall, the team rushed toward him. In that moment, the gridiron faded away, replaced by a sea of green and gold embracing a man who had given everything to them long before they gave him the ring.
Reader's Guide
Steve Gleason's era at the Saints spanned from his draft in 2001 through the 2006 season. He played as an outside linebacker, renowned for his high football IQ and ability to disrupt opposing offenses with precise, hard-hitting tackles. His greatest on-field achievement was anchoring a defense that laid the groundwork for the team's historic Super Bowl XLIV victory, even though he did not play in the final game due to his illness. His legacy extends far beyond statistics. After being diagnosed with ALS, Gleason founded the Gleason Foundation, which focuses on research and support for those affected by the disease. His resilience became a rallying cry for New Orleans, particularly after Hurricane Katrina and during the team's championship run. He is remembered as a player who embodied the 'Who Dat' spirit through sheer determination. Gleason remains a unique figure in Saints lore: a retired player whose influence grew exponentially after he left the field. His story is one of the most powerful narratives in franchise history, illustrating how a single individual's courage can unite an entire city.
Did You Know?
- Steve Gleason was present at Super Bowl XLIV as a special guest despite being unable to walk due to ALS.
- He founded the Gleason Foundation shortly after his diagnosis to support ALS research and patient care.
- Gleason played college football at Clemson University before being drafted by the Saints in 2001.