Steve Gleason Honored with Arthur Ashe Award

Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints player, was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPY Awards for his advocacy and resilience in battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since his diagnosis in 2011. Introduced by his former teammate Drew Brees, Gleason's emotional acceptance speech highlighted themes of courage, fear, resilience, and community support. Gleason, who was accompanied by his son Rivers, expressed gratitude for the support from his family and community, and emphasized the importance of facing fear and adversity. His moving address, delivered via an AI-powered voice, left the audience in tears and underscored his message of unity and hope for those living with ALS and other disabilities. This prestigious award recognizes athletes who embody the spirit of Arthur Ashe through their strength and willingness to stand up for their beliefs in the face of adversity.