The week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to a former NFL player for the first time.
The recipient of the highest honor Congress can bestow upon a civilian is former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason. The ex-defensive back has been an advocate for ALS research, a condition from which he suffers himself.
“New Orleans Saints fans will always remember Steve Gleason’s seven spectacular seasons with the team. But it has been Steve’s work off the field that truly distinguishes him as an American hero,” said Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. “Steve works tirelessly to spread awareness for ALS, all while battling this terrible disease. No one is more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than Steve Gleason.”
Former @Saints star Steve Gleason has changed so many lives for the better through @TeamGleason. I’m proud we passed legislation to award him the #CongressionalGoldMedal. He will be the first @NFL player in history to receive the medal. #HonorGleason #ALS pic.twitter.com/uukAdRbOz4
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) December 20, 2018
Gleason, 41, played seven seasons with the Saints and became a cult hero for blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the first game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
He will join the likes of John Wayne, Joe Lewis, Jesse Owens, and Arnold Palmer as athletes who have been recognized with the award.
After finding out about the honor, Gleason released a statement via his Twitter account.
My statement on the Congressional Gold Medal.
-SG pic.twitter.com/ExS09rqvP6— Steve Gleason (@SteveGleason) December 21, 2018
The final step is for Gleason to receive the award is for President Trump to sign the legislation.
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