History of Steve Gleason in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

Steve Gleason is a former professional football player who played safety for the New Orleans Saints from 2000-2006. He initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts but spent the majority of his career with the Saints, retiring in 2008 after eight seasons in the NFL. He played college football at Washington State University.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 19, 1977: Steve Gleason's Birth

On March 19, 1977, Stephen Michael Gleason was born. He later became a professional football player.

1995: Accepted Scholarship to Washington State

In 1995, Gleason accepted a scholarship to play college football at Washington State.

1997: Rose Bowl Appearance

In 1997, Gleason was a starting linebacker for the Washington State team that advanced to the Rose Bowl.

2000: Signed by Indianapolis Colts

In 2000, Gleason was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.

2001: Chosen by the Birmingham Thunderbolts in the XFL draft

In 2001, Gleason was chosen by the Birmingham Thunderbolts with the 191st pick of the XFL draft.

September 25, 2006: Blocked Punt vs. Falcons

On September 25, 2006, Gleason blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons, which became a symbol of New Orleans' recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball for a touchdown.

2006: Punt Block in 2006 Game

In 2006, Gleason had a notable punt block that symbolized recovery for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

2006: Attended 2006 game where Gleason blocked a punt

In 2006, Michael Mauti attended the game where Gleason made his famous punt block.

2006: Played with the Saints through the 2006 season

Steve Gleason played with the Saints through the 2006 season.

2008: Retirement from the NFL

In 2008, Steve Gleason retired from the NFL after playing eight seasons.

September 2011: Awarded Super Bowl Ring and Key to New Orleans

In September 2011, Gleason was awarded a Super Bowl ring by the Saints and the key to the city of New Orleans.

2011: ALS Diagnosis

In 2011, Gleason revealed he was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

July 2012: Raising of the "Rebirth" Statue

In July 2012, Rebirth, a statue depicting Steve Gleason blocking the punt, was raised outside the Superdome.

November 2013: Aired Episode of A Football Life

In November 2013, NFL Network aired an episode of the documentary series A Football Life that detailed Steve Gleason's NFL career and battle with ALS.

October 15, 2015: Received George Halas Award

On October 15, 2015, Steve Gleason received the 2015 George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers Association during a Thursday Night Football game.

2016: Release of "Gleason" Documentary

In 2016, the documentary "Gleason", which chronicled Steve Gleason's life with ALS over five years, was released.

2016: Premiere of Documentary Film Gleason

In 2016, the documentary film Gleason, which documents Steve Gleason's battle with ALS and serves as a video journal for his son Rivers, was shown during the Sundance Film Festival.