Steve Gleason’s Net Worth, Awards, Endorsements, Achievements, Contracts, Career Life, and Timeline

Steve Gleason’s Net Worth, Awards, Endorsements, Achievements, Contracts, Career Life, and Timeline

Net Worth:

Steve Gleason’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million¹². His earnings primarily come from his NFL career and his advocacy work.

Awards:

Steve Gleason has received numerous awards for his contributions both on and off the field:

• George Halas Award (2015): Given by the Pro Football Writers Association for overcoming adversity³.
• Congressional Gold Medal (2019): For his contributions to ALS awareness, making him the first NFL player to receive this honor⁴.
• NCAA Inspiration Award (2022): Recognizing his inspirational impact³.
• Arthur Ashe Courage Award (2024): Honoring his courage and perseverance in the face of ALS⁴⁵.

Endorsements:

While specific endorsement deals are not widely publicized, Steve Gleason has been featured in high-profile campaigns, such as a Microsoft commercial during the 2014 Super Bowl, which also highlighted his use of technology to communicate despite his ALS diagnosis⁶.

Achievements:

• Blocked Punt (2006): Known for his iconic blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons, which became a symbol of New Orleans’ recovery post-Hurricane Katrina³.
• Also Team Gleason Foundation: Founded to provide support and resources for people living with ALS³.
• Gleason Act (2015): Ensured access to assistive communication devices for ALS patients⁶.
• Summited Machu Picchu: Despite his ALS diagnosis, Gleason also achieved this remarkable feat⁷.

Contracts:

Steve Gleason’s NFL career included contracts with the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. He played for the Saints from 2000 to 2006, where he made a significant impact on special teams³.

Career Life:

Steve Gleason was born on March 19, 1977, in Spokane, Washington. He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, where he excelled in both football and baseball. His athletic talents earned him a scholarship to Washington State University (WSU), where he continued to shine in both sports. At WSU, Gleason was a standout linebacker for the Cougars football team and also played as an outfielder for the baseball team. He was known for his tenacity and leadership on the field, setting a school record for triples in baseball and also earning All-Pac-10 honors in football.

NFL Career:

Despite going undrafted in the 2000 NFL Draft, Steve Gleason’s determination led him to sign with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent. However, it was with the New Orleans Saints that he made his mark. Gleason joined the Saints in 2000. And also quickly became a key player on special teams. His most iconic moment came on September 25, 2006, when he blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the first game back at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

Post-NFL and ALS Diagnosis:

In 2008, Steve Gleason retired from professional football. Three years later, in 2011, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Gleason chose to live life to the fullest and became a prominent advocate for ALS awareness and research.

Timeline:

• 1977: Born in Spokane, Washington.
• 1995-1999: Attended Washington State University, playing football and baseball.
• Also 2000: Signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.
• 2000-2006: Played for the New Orleans Saints.
• Also 2006: Blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons, a defining moment in his career.
• 2011: Diagnosed with ALS.
• 2015: Received the George Halas Award.
• Also 2016: Featured in the documentary “Gleason.”
• 2019: Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
• 2022: Received the NCAA Inspiration Award.
• 2024: Honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award³⁴⁵.

Steve Gleason’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. His contributions to ALS awareness and his inspirational story continue to impact many lives.