Federal lawmakers from Louisiana and Washington have submitted legislation to award former New Orleans Saints and Washington State football player Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a doctor who helped sponsor the legislation, seeks to honor Gleason for his work as an advocate for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
"Steve Gleason was a hero for Saints fans and now he is a hero for all Americans as he finds hope and meaning in overcoming disability and creating greater opportunity for others who are disabled," Cassidy said.