Steve Gleason Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Steve Gleason

Stephen “Steve” Michael Gleason is a former American professional football player whose career as a safety for the New Orleans Saints is famously highlighted by a single, iconic play that became a symbol of hope and rebirth for a city in crisis. Beyond his athletic achievements, Gleason has become a globally recognized advocate and inspirational figure following his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Refusing to be defined by the disease, he and his wife, Michel, founded the Team Gleason Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with ALS to live purposeful lives through technology, support, and adventure. His journey, documented in the critically acclaimed film “Gleason,” and his relentless advocacy have led to significant legislative changes and have raised immense awareness for the ALS community, cementing his legacy as a true hero both on and off the field.

Steve Gleason Overview

Early Life and Education of Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, where he excelled in athletics, particularly football. As a linebacker for Gonzaga Prep, he earned consecutive Greater Spokane League (GSL) Defensive MVP awards, showcasing the tenacity and skill that would define his later career. In addition to his prowess on the football field, where he also played fullback, Gleason was a standout baseball player, breaking the league’s home run record during his senior year. His athletic and academic achievements earned him a scholarship to Washington State University (WSU). At WSU, Gleason was a four-year letterman in both football and baseball. On the gridiron, he was a key member of the 1997 team that made it to the Rose Bowl. In the classroom, he pursued a degree in Management Information Systems, earning academic honors and demonstrating a commitment to his education that would serve him well beyond his sporting career. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity during his time at Washington State.

Steve Gleason’s Career

Steve Gleason’s professional football career began in 2000 when he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. He was released after the preseason but was soon signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in November of the same year. Gleason’s determination and work ethic earned him a spot on the active roster, where he became a key special teams player and was eventually named a special teams captain. He played for the Saints for eight seasons, from 2000 to 2007. Throughout his NFL career, Gleason was known for his fearless playing style and his contributions on special teams. However, his most memorable and impactful moment on the field came on September 25, 2006. In the New Orleans Saints’ first home game in the Superdome after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Gleason blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons. The ball was recovered for a touchdown, marking the first score in the stadium since the hurricane. This play became a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience and rebirth, forever cementing Gleason’s place in New Orleans history. The moment is immortalized by a statue titled “Rebirth” outside the Caesars Superdome. Gleason retired from the NFL in 2008. Following his football career, he pursued a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University, which he completed in 2011. In January 2011, at the age of 34, Gleason was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a terminal neuromuscular disease. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new and profoundly impactful chapter in his life. He and his wife, Michel, founded the Team Gleason Foundation to help others with ALS live fulfilling lives. Through his foundation and public advocacy, Gleason has championed the use of technology to improve the quality of life for those with neuromuscular diseases and has been instrumental in the passage of legislation like the Steve Gleason Act, which ensures access to speech-generating devices for patients.

Steve Gleason Personal Life & Family

Steve Gleason is married to Michel Rae Varisco, a native of New Orleans. The couple married in 2008, the same year Gleason retired from the NFL. Their life together took a dramatic turn with his ALS diagnosis in 2011. Just six weeks after receiving this life-altering news, they discovered they were expecting their first child. Their son, Rivers, was born in 2011, and their daughter, Gray, followed in 2018. Family is a central focus of Gleason’s life, and his journey as a father living with ALS is a prominent theme in the documentary “Gleason.” He began creating a video journal for his son shortly after his diagnosis to share his life and wisdom, a project that evolved into the feature-length film. Despite the physical limitations imposed by ALS, Gleason is a deeply involved and active parent. He utilizes assistive technology, including eye-tracking software that allows him to communicate, to remain an integral part of his children’s lives. The family resides in New Orleans, where they are beloved members of the community. Gleason’s personal life, as shared publicly, is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of family in the face of immense adversity. His relationship with his wife, Michel, is a cornerstone of his strength, as they navigate the challenges of ALS together.

Awards and Achievements of Steve Gleason

• Saints Special Teams Player of the Year (2006)
• Super Bowl ring from the New Orleans Saints (2011)
• Key to the City of New Orleans (2011)
• George Halas Award (2015)
• Sports Illustrated Inspiration of the Year (2014)
• Congressional Gold Medal (2019)
• NCAA Inspiration Award (2022)
• Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs (2024)
• Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award (Inaugural Recipient)

Steve Gleason Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Steve Gleason’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $7 million. His income is derived from a variety of sources. During his eight-season career in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, he earned a salary as a professional football player. Following his retirement and subsequent ALS diagnosis, his financial landscape has been shaped by his advocacy work, public speaking engagements, and media projects. The Team Gleason Foundation, which he co-founded, has raised and distributed over $55 million to support individuals with ALS, though this is a non-profit endeavor and does not contribute to his personal net worth. His story has been the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary, “Gleason,” and he has authored a memoir, “A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence,” which also contributes to his income. While his NFL career provided a solid financial foundation, his post-football life as an advocate and inspirational speaker has continued to provide income streams.

Legacy and Influence

Steve Gleason’s legacy extends far beyond the football field. While his blocked punt in the post-Hurricane Katrina reopening of the Superdome will forever be an iconic moment in New Orleans sports history, his greatest impact has been his work as an advocate for the ALS community. By sharing his personal journey with vulnerability and courage, Gleason has brought unprecedented awareness to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The founding of the Team Gleason Foundation has had a direct and tangible impact on the lives of thousands of people with ALS and their families, providing over $55 million in assistive technology, equipment, and support for life adventures. Gleason’s advocacy has also had a significant impact on public policy. He was a driving force behind the passage of the Steve Gleason Act of 2015, federal legislation that ensures Medicare funding for speech-generating devices for those with degenerative diseases. His influence has been recognized at the highest levels, with honors such as the Congressional Gold Medal, making him the first NFL player to receive this prestigious civilian award. Through his resilience, public speaking, and the raw honesty of the documentary “Gleason,” he has inspired countless individuals to face their own adversities with a “No White Flags” mentality. His legacy is one of transforming personal tragedy into a powerful force for good, fundamentally changing the conversation around ALS and demonstrating that a life with a terminal illness can still be purposeful and full of impact.

Interesting Facts about Steve Gleason

• Before his NFL career, Gleason was a four-year starter for the Washington State University baseball team and still holds the school record for triples.
• A bronze statue titled “Rebirth,” depicting his famous blocked punt, stands outside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
• Gleason has a cloned version of his own voice, created by a speech synthesis company, which he can use for communication.
• He is the first and only NFL player to have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
• An avid adventurer, Gleason has traveled the world, and even after his ALS diagnosis, he has undertaken challenging journeys, including a trip to Machu Picchu.
• He and his wife, Michel, learned they were pregnant with their first child just six weeks after his ALS diagnosis.
• He donated his hair to “Locks of Love,” an organization that provides wigs for children with cancer, multiple times during his NFL career.

Controversies

Steve Gleason’s public life has been remarkably free of controversy. His career as an athlete and his subsequent work as an advocate for the ALS community have been widely celebrated for their positive impact. The focus of his public narrative has consistently been on his inspirational journey, his charitable efforts, and his advocacy for legislative change to support those with debilitating illnesses. There are no widely reported controversies associated with his personal or professional life.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not publicly available for a personal account. The Team Gleason Foundation has a significant presence.
• Twitter – The Team Gleason account (@TeamGleason) has over 6,600 followers.
• YouTube – The Team Gleason YouTube channel has over 2,000 subscribers.

Final Words about Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason’s life is a profound story of two distinct but interconnected halves. The first is that of a determined athlete who etched his name into the heart of a city with a single, symbolic act of defiance on the football field. The second is that of a courageous warrior who, faced with a devastating diagnosis, transformed his personal battle into a global movement of hope and action. His current status is one of continued advocacy and inspiration. Through the use of advanced technology, he continues to communicate, lead his foundation, and share his message of resilience and purpose. His legacy is already firmly established, not just as a football hero, but as a pivotal figure in the fight against ALS. He has changed laws, provided crucial support to thousands, and redefined what it means to live with a terminal illness. Looking to the future, Steve Gleason’s plans are undoubtedly focused on the continued growth and impact of the Team Gleason Foundation, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for ALS and ensuring that everyone diagnosed with the disease can live a full and meaningful life until that day comes. His journey is a powerful testament to the idea that one’s impact is not defined by physical ability, but by the strength of the human spirit.