Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
Former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal on Jan. 15, per the Associated Press.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be awarded by the United States Congress.
The Saints announced on Dec. 20, 2018, that Gleason would eventually receive the Gold Medal, but a date was not revealed at that time.
Gleason, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, began the Team Gleason foundation soon afterward to help people also suffering with the disease.