Former New Orleans Saints security Steve Gleason has been chosen to obtain the 2024 Arthur Ashe Braveness Award on the ESPYS, it was introduced Thursday.
The award is given to people “whose contributions transcend sports activities.” Recipients of the award, which was first given in 1993, are supposed to replicate the spirit of Arthur Ashe and possess energy, braveness and willingness to face up for his or her beliefs within the face of adversity.
“Over the previous 13 years, I have been documenting our journey with ALS. My goal has at all times been to see if we will uncover peace and freedom with a love of Life, within the midst of utmost adversity. Being acknowledged at The 2024 ESPYS is not only an honor, however a strong platform to additional assist and serve others. Thanks, ESPN, for this unbelievable accolade,” Gleason wrote in an announcement posted to Instagram.
Gleason, a standout particular groups participant for the Saints from 2000 to 2008, was identified with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that impacts nerve cells within the mind and spinal wire, ultimately robbing an individual of the flexibility to maneuver, speak or breathe. The illness is taken into account terminal and at present there isn’t any treatment.
Gleason, 47, and his spouse, Michel, based the nonprofit group Group Gleason following his prognosis. Group Gleason’s mission is to enhance life for others residing with ALS by offering know-how, tools and help companies.
The Steve Gleason Act was handed in 2018 to make sure the provision of life-sustaining communication units similar to eye-tracking know-how that enables people like Gleason to speak utilizing solely their eyes.
In 2020, Gleason turned the primary soccer participant to obtain the Congressional Gold Medal, the best honor awarded to civilians, for advocacy work with ALS.
Gleason, a particular groups captain and the Saints’ chief in blocked punts, was most identified on the sphere for his blocked punt in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons within the Saints’ first sport again after the Superdome reopened in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. A statue depicting the second was erected on the Superdome concourse in 2014.
A documentary about Gleason’s life titled “Gleason” premiered on the Sundance Movie Pageant in 2016. His memoir, “A Life Unimaginable,” which was co-written with Jeff Duncan, was launched in April.
It was additionally introduced Thursday that College of South Carolina girls’s basketball coach Daybreak Staley will obtain the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will obtain the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The 2024 ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, will air reside Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
