Steve Gleason spent seven seasons as a defensive back for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 – 2006. In 2011, Gleason announced that he was in a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
That’s why it was especially concerning when he was admitted to a local hospital with a high fever and low blood pressure on Wednesday, according to publicist Clare Durrett.
At the time, Hurricane Francine, a Category 2 storm, was still active, so there were worries that Gleason would not be able to get the care he needed.
Luckily, though, that wasn’t the case. “They immediately stabilized him and transported him to Ochsner,” Durrett said. “He remains there and stable. He’s continuing to be treated, and we are hopeful Steve will do what Steve does and warrior through to get home as quickly as possible.”
The next day, on Thursday, his team posted an update to X confirming that he had returned to stable condition.
“For those who have asked, Steve was taken to Ochsner last night during the storm. He is now stable. We want to thank @NOLAFireDept first responders and @NewOrleansEMS for getting to us during unsafe circumstances and to the @OchsnerHealth staff for their immediate care. We will update everyone as soon as we know more. Thanks, the Gleason Crew,” they wrote.
For those who have asked, Steve was taken to Ochsner last night during the storm. He is now stable. We want to thank @NOLAFireDept first responders and @NewOrleansEMS for getting to us during unsafe circumstances and to the @OchsnerHealth staff for their immediate care. We will…
— Steve Gleason – “Live Impossible” (@SteveGleason) September 12, 2024
It was a scary situation for Gleason and his family as Steve also has had to breathe through a ventilator since his diagnosis in 2011.
Steve Gleason Was Warded A Super Bowl Right From The Saints
The same year that Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, the team he spent his whole career with, the Saints, won the Super Bowl at home in New Orleans.
In a ceremony, the team presented Gleason with his own ring despite his not playing since 2006. In that same ceremony, he also received a key to the city.
