Steve Gleason, the New Orleans Saints’ former special teams ace who has become one of the most recognizable faces in the fight against ALS, has won the George Halas Award.
The honor, announced Monday and given annually by the Pro Football Writers of America, goes to the NFL figure who overcomes adversity to succeed.
Fans in New Orleans are familiar with the story of Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and responded by forming Team Gleason, an organization dedicated to the fight against the neuromuscular disorder. Team Gleason has focused its efforts not only on finding a cure for the disease but also on helping those afflicted with the disease combat their symptoms.