Steve Gleason’s Speech After Winning The Arthur Ashe Award For Courage Will Make You Laugh & Cry

Before he was diagnosed with ALS, Steve Gleason was a professional NFL athlete, playing for The New Orleans Saints for eight years. However, in 2011, doctors informed him that he only had three years to live. So, he used the time he had left wisely. He started Team Gleason both to raise awareness about ALS and help other patients. Now, thirteen years after the fatal diagnosis, the former football player has accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPYs.

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Be aware that there is some NSFW language in the clip.

Since Steve Gleason can no longer speak due to ALS, he delivered his acceptance speech through assistive technology. Standing beside him on stage was his son, Rivers, according to The New Orleans Saints website. ESPN shared an incredible video of the former athlete’s speech on social media. As you can see in the footage, audience members were completely captivated by the man’s words.

“When I learned I was receiving this award, I started reflecting on what that word ‘courage’ means,” Gleason said. “To be courageous, we must first experience loneliness, unworthiness or any of the faces of fear.”

He continued, “For me, this honor represents some encouragement and triumph for the families currently living with ALS. All the people living with disability or other illnesses and all of you who experience fear or suffering.”

Gleason concluded his speech with a beautiful call to action.

“I don’t think anyone will disagree that we face enormous challenges in the 21st century,” he said. “If we can courageously share our fears and limitations with each other and compassionately collaborate to solve problems, our human potential is boundless. If we can listen, understand, and help alleviate each other’s suffering, then truly, all things are possible.”

Now that’s an inspiring message!

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