Former NFL Player <br />Steve Gleason Honored With <br />Congressional Gold Medal The 42-year-old was given <br />America's highest civilian honor <br />for his contribution to ALS awareness. Gleason is the first pro football player to receive the award. Gleason played in 83 career NFL games from <br />2000 to 2006, all with the New Orleans Saints. The former NFL safety revealed he <br />was combating the illness known as <br />"Lou Gehrig's Disease" back in 2011. He has since launched the<br />Team Gleason Foundation to help others diagnosed with the disease. In a speech through a computer-generated voice, Gleason called the medal a "sublime honor." Steve Gleason, <br />via statement
