Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award Thursday night at the ESPYs and the audience also honored him with a momentous standing ovation. Former teammate Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award and Gleason’s son held it beside him during his acceptance speech.
“If we can listen, understand, and help alleviate each other’s suffering, then truly all things are possible. Thank you again for this incredible honor, I love y’all,” said Gleason.
Gleason who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and since has established the Team Gleason foundation that helps others with the incurable disease live life as full as possible.
Brees told the audience it would be a lie to say life for Gleason hasn’t been difficult since his diagnosis.
“But through it all he’s never given in, never stopped fighting, no white flags, and never stopped finding ways to inspire, impact, and write his own story,” said Brees.
A speech that will touch people’s hearts for years to come 
Steve Gleason delivered a memorable moment while accepting the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPYS. pic.twitter.com/ljuQuPz68t
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
Thirteen years ago, Gleason was told he had three years to live. When he learned he was receiving the Courage Award, he said he reflected on what it meant. Confined to a wheelchair and able to use technology to speak, Gleason said to be courageous we must first experience fear and suffering.
“For me, this honor represents some encouragement and triumph for the families currently living with ALS, all the people living with disabilities or other illnesses. And all of you who experience fear or suffering,” said Gleason.
Fellow teammates from the Saints 2010 National Championship team also joined Team Gleason in Los Angeles for the award.
We’re in LA! We attended the ESPN Humanitarian dinner last night, and we’ll be at the ESPY award ceremony tonight. I’m getting to spend time with my family, and some of my favorite people from high school, NFL, and the ALS journey.
To receive the Arthur Ashe award for Courage… pic.twitter.com/5CFeLPVVh9
— Steve Gleason – “Live Impossible” (@SteveGleason) July 11, 2024
