By now you likely know the story of Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saints safety most well known for his blocked punt that helped the Saints win their first home game after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. A few years after retiring in 2008, Gleason revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
As Gleason continues his battle with the degenerative disease, he has become an inspirational symbol of perseverance and strength for the sports world, especially within the New Orleans community. He’s the subject of a new documentary titled Gleason, which was one of the most acclaimed films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and was purchased by Amazon shortly thereafter.
The documentary premiered at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans on Tuesday night. Not surprisingly, many current and former members of the Saints organization were in attendance to take in the film that chronicles the intimate details of Gleason’s story and life as a family man while he stares down a terminal illness.
Scenes from an emotional, unforgettable night at the #NOLA premiere of @GleasonMovie at the Orpheum Theater: pic.twitter.com/14Lt62I6es
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) June 15, 2016
As you’d expect, it was an emotional experience for most, including Saints coach Sean Payton. While Payton addressed the crowd following the documentary’s showing, Gleason took the opportunity to remind everyone that he still possesses the sense of humor that he’s long been known for.
As an emotional Sean Payton addressed the audience after seeing @GleasonMovie, Steve Gleason interrupted the coach's speech, “What a pussy."
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) June 15, 2016
Steve’s comment brought the house down. Even when speaking via computer and synthesized voice, Gleason’s timing and snark remain impeccable.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) June 15, 2016
It takes a pretty special human being to be able to make you laugh and cry simultaneously, and Gleason is undoubtedly just that.
