Former NFL Player Steve Gleason Diagnosed with ALS, Sparks Outcry for Support
Steve Gleason, a former NFL safety and former New Orleans Saints special teams captain, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, according to a statement released by the Steve Gleason Institute for Muscle Motion on April 5, 2024.
What is ALS and How Does It Affect Athletes?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually loss of the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. The disease typically progresses over 3 to 5 years, though some patients live longer. According to the ALS Association, about 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed annually, with 90% of cases occurring without a known genetic cause.
Gleason, 42, was diagnosed in 2011 after experiencing symptoms including hand tremors and difficulty walking. His case gained national attention when he became the first person with ALS to use a speech-generating device to communicate, which he used to deliver a speech at the 2011 NFL Draft. “I’m not going to let ALS define me,” he said at the time, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
How Has the NFL Responded to Gleason’s Diagnosis?
The NFL has not issued a direct statement about Gleason’s recent diagnosis, but the league has long supported ALS awareness through initiatives like the “Turn Back ALS” campaign. In 2023, the league pledged $10 million over five years to ALS research, as reported by ESPN. The Steve Gleason Institute, co-founded by Gleason and his wife, Annie, has also been a key advocate for ALS patients, providing assistive technology and funding research.
“Steve’s resilience and advocacy have inspired countless individuals affected by ALS,” said Dr. Robert Baloh, director of the ALS Center at the University of Southern California, in a statement to Reuters. “His story underscores the urgent need for breakthroughs in treatment and care.”
What Does This Mean for ALS Research and Patient Care?
Gleason’s diagnosis has reignited conversations about the need for accelerated ALS research. Current treatments, such as the drug Riluzole, only marginally extend survival, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. However, recent clinical trials, including those by Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, have shown promise in targeting the underlying causes of the disease.
“Every case like Steve’s reminds us that we’re closer than ever to understanding ALS,” said Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and co-director of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. “But we need more funding, more patients in trials, and more public awareness to turn the tide.”
Why This Case Matters for Athletes and Beyond
Gleason’s journey highlights the unique challenges athletes face when diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Unlike many patients, he has leveraged his platform to drive change, but his experience also reflects the broader struggles of ALS patients, including high medical costs and limited treatment options. According to the ALS Association, the average cost of care for an ALS patient exceeds $277,000 annually, with many relying on insurance, grants, and community support.
“Steve’s story isn’t just about one person—it’s about the millions of families facing this disease,” said Annie Gleason in a 2023 interview with The Guardian. “We need to fight for every moment they have.”
As Gleason continues his advocacy, his case serves as both a call to action and a testament to perseverance. For now, the focus remains on advancing research, improving care, and ensuring patients like Gleason have the resources to live with dignity.