Steve Gleason is known as an inspiring football player who blocked a punt during the Saints' first game back in the city after a 21-month absence. He also is known in the city for his well-publicized fight against ALS, a disease with which he was diagnosed almost three years ago.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune wrote that Gleason has returned to New Orleans to help awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis prior to the Saints' opener. The city has in turn honored him with the third "Gleason Gras."
Gleason, whose life story is scheduled to be documented by NFL Films later this year, lives in Idaho during the summer but has adopted New Orleans as his main home. Some people have called him the "King of New Orleans." All this despite the fact that he is unable to walk, talk or take care of himself. He he uses email and a synthetic voice on his computer to communicate all while on a high-tech wheelchair.
Gleason also plans to attend the Saints' home opener.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor
