Steve Gleason reflects on 15-year battle with ALS

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason has shared reflections on his 15-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed in 2011, Gleason described the challenges of the progressive nervous system disease, noting that he cannot move, talk, or breathe on his own and that some days are “brutal.”

Gleason spoke about his journey ahead of a Saints game against the Atlanta Falcons, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the team’s return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. During the event, Gleason and former teammate Curtis Deloatch were honored as “Legends of the Game” for their contributions to the Saints’ 2006 victory over the Falcons.

ALS is a disease that destroys nerve cells, leading to a loss of motor function and muscle control. While some FDA-approved treatments exist to slow functional decline, there is currently no known cure to stop or reverse the progression of the disease.