Steve Gleason to receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The ESPYS for his work on ALS awareness

Steve Gleason, a retired NFL safety who has been battling ALS since 2011, will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at The ESPYS on July 11, according to an announcement from Los Angeles.

Gleason, who is 47 years old, retired from the NFL in 2008 after an eight-year career. In 2011, he publicly announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Gleason founded his non-profit organization, Team Gleason, with a mission to assist individuals with ALS in leading meaningful lives through various programs and support services. The organization successfully advocated for The Steve Gleason Act, which guarantees access to vital communication devices in the U.S.

“For the last 13 years, I’ve been recording our experiences with ALS. I have consistently strived to find peace, freedom, and a zest for life, even in the face of severe hardship,” Gleason stated on Thursday. “Receiving recognition at The 2024 ESPYS is not merely an honor, but a potent platform to continue assisting and serving others.”

Earlier this year, Gleason released his memoir. This comes after he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2019 for his contributions to ALS awareness.

Gleason’s notable punt block in the first game the New Orleans Saints played after Hurricane Katrina, during his eight-year tenure with the team, became a symbol of the city’s recovery.

The Ashe award is bestowed upon athletes who have made significant contributions beyond their respective sports by standing up for their beliefs. Previous recipients include the survivors of sexual abuse in USA Gymnastics, Bill Russell, Kevin Love, Maya Moore, Vitali Klitschko, and the U.S. women’s national soccer team.

Serena Williams is set to host The ESPYS, a ceremony live on ABC that honors the top athletes and sports moments of the past year.

Copyright Associated Press 2024