Former Saints special team ace Steve Gleason has been named a finalist for the George Halas Award, annually given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who “overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”
Gleason, who made 65 tackles in eight seasons with the Saints, revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS in 2011, and he’s become an outspoken advocate of ALS research and treatment.
After his diagnosis, Gleason created Team Gleason, an organization devoted to helping raise awareness about ALS and finding a cure.
Gleason, 38, is one of five finalists for the award. The other four are Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain.
Members of the Pro Football Writers of America will vote on the five finalists, and the winner of the award will be announced on June 15.