14 Years Ago Today, Steve Gleason Delivered Rebirth

Its hard to believe that it's been 14 years since Steve Gleason shocked life back into the City of New Orleans, and the New Orleans Saints, during Monday Night Football.

The Saints were hosting the Atlanta Falcons in the Superdome for their first home game since Hurricane Katrina. Everyone in the stadium was emotionally charged, and when the Falcons protection on a punt parted like a red-jersey-sea, Gleason flew into frame, and gave the city, state, and nation the jolt they needed. He blocked the punt, it was recovered for a Saints touchdown, and the TV broadcasters went silent for over 60 seconds, as 70,000 fans roared.

Since that point, Steve Gleason has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and has been confined to a wheelchair. He's lost the use of his voice, and nearly all movement and function. He's formed an ALS foundation, Team Gleason, and has worked on multiple projects to document what ALS is doing to him and what his fight has included.

Additionally, Gleason has stayed active on social media. His Twitter account, which he uses through typing with his eye movement, is constantly full of motivation, education, and humor.

The City of New Orleans, and the general public will once again need this type of moment soon. Once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the city, state, and nation will once again need a jolt or boost like the one Gleason delivered 14 years ago today.