Steve Gleason, former NFL player battling ALS, accident after volleyball clinic

Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints safety who is battling ALS, had an accident while exiting his van, his wife, Michel Varisco Gleason, said in a social media post.

The 47-year-old was on the road to recovery after the incident.

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New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason, #37, is called for pass interference against the St. Louis Rams’ Kevin Curtis, #83, in the first quarter at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on October 23, 2005. (Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports)

“Steve had an accident leaving his van yesterday to speak at the Gleason Life Skills Volleyball Clinic,” the post on his X account read. “It was traumatic for him and for all of us who saw him missing on the tarmac. Even though he is hurt, it could have been a lot worse.

“Miraculously, he was spared major injuries because he was strapped into his wheelchair and because of the quick response of his care team, a passing doctor and family.”

His wife joked that the former NFL player was ready for a fight against Jake Paul.

“He is at home resting and thankful for this crazy wonderful life and the support and love from everyone.”

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason watches the Saints play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on October 6, 2019. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

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Gleason played seven seasons with the Saints from 2000 to 2006 and totaled 71 tackles in 83 games.

He revealed in 2011 that he was battling ALS. He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2019 and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award earlier this year.

October 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason wears a Halloween costume before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on October 19, 2023. Because Gleason uses a breathing tube, he can be wrapped with cellophane covering his mouth. (Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports)

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Gleason had to deal with another incident earlier this year. He had to be moved to a hospital when Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana.

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