Steve Gleason Opens Up About ALS Struggle: “My Body Is a Prison, But My Mind Is Free” | Sports

Steve Gleason helped carry the spirit of New Orleans along with his iconic punt block throughout the Saints' first residence sport after Hurricane Katrina in 2006 – two years earlier than he retired from the NFL.

In 2011, the previous New Orleans Saints security was identified with ALS. He believes that block, which he has referred to as one in all his proudest moments, saved his life.

“In 2006, when I blocked that punt on Monday night football, it was undoubtedly a phenomenon that was much more important than winning a football game,” Gleason stated in an interview that aired Monday on “CBS Mornings.”

Creating “Team Gleason”

Shortly after his analysis, Gleason and his spouse Michel made it their mission to assist empower others with ALS and lift consciousness for the illness, creating the Team Gleason Foundation. The basis has supplied over $40 million in expertise, tools and care providers to individuals with ALS.

“So many people have told us that our foundation's efforts and support have saved their lives. But if I didn't block that punt, I'm just another has-been football player. It's probably that I'd just fade away and die anonymously. I don't see any of this happening,” Gleason stated.

In a latest textual content dialog along with his buddy Brian Jeansonne, a former pastor from New Orleans who was identified with ALS in 2020, Gleason was requested if he believes he'd have the identical vary and influence on ALS with out that legendary 2006 block.

“My answer was, ‘If I don't block the punt, I'm probably not alive,” Gleason stated.

He added, “But here we are. I did block the punt…and this community, my family and friends and their love continue to uplift me throughout this crazy wonderful journey with ALS.”

Because of his coronary heart and energy, Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on the 2024 ESPYS.

“Steve Gleason has always been determined to write his own story and live to be 109. Through it all, he has never given in, never stopped fighting, No white flags. And never stopped finding ways to inspire, impact, and write his own story,” former Saints quarterback Drew Brees said at the 2024 ESPYs when introducing Gleason.

Living with ALS

When Gleason was identified with ALS, he admits he needed to deal with a big selection of feelings – going from pissed off to fearful, to offended. Gleason and Michel shared candid particulars about their journey with ALS in a new memoir, “A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence,” co-written with Jeff Duncan.

“The readers will see that 13 years of living with this gnarly disease and I'm over a decade past my expiration date, so I have the wilderness of fear tattooed all over me,” Gleason stated.

Through the method of dropping muscle management, Gleason stated he held on to the one factor he has management over: his mindset.

“This body may be a prison but my mind is free,” Gleason stated.

Michel admits she's nonetheless tackling emotions of anger and frustration.

“I have not transcended it all like Steve has. But also [I'm] able to move and talk and feel. I'm proud of him for where he is because I really can't imagine…having to do what he does every day,” she stated.

Gleason makes use of a particular laptop geared up with eye-tracking software program to speak every day. But the expertise is not all the time good.

“His technology doesn't always work. His eyes get tired and some days I just want to be like I just wish today we could have like a regular conversation to figure out the next week,” Michel stated.

Sometimes, Michel stated, it is arduous for Gleason to speak along with his 5-year-old daughter Gray and 12-year-old son Rivers.

“It's painful to watch, because I know how much he wants to be communicating with them,” she stated.

“We all have a timeline”

Gleason believes “we all have a timeline,” and he finds that idea “absolutely beautiful.”

His recommendation to others: dwell like right this moment is the final day you can transfer, discuss and breathe by yourself.

If you begin to shift your mindset, Gleason stated, your perspective will change.

“Will you be more appreciative and less concerned about achievement or material success knowing this is your last day of moving?” he requested. “When you hug your child or run your hand through their hair, knowing this is the last time, how much will you appreciate the preciousness of that moment?”

“Mic drop,” agreed Michel earlier than giving him a “forehead to forehead” hug.

Watch David Begnaud's full interview with Steve Gleason here.

David Begnaud loves uncovering the guts of each story and can proceed to take action, highlighting on a regular basis heroes and proving that there's excellent news within the information along with his unique “CBS Mornings” sequence “Beg-Knows America.” Every Monday, prepare for moments that can make you smile and even shed a tear. Do you will have a story about an unusual individual doing one thing extraordinary for another person? Email David and his staff at [email protected]