NEW ORLEANS — Steve Gleason’s representatives confirmed on X Thursday morning that Gleason had to be rescued and taken to the hospital during Hurricane Francine in New Orleans.
The post thanked New Orleans fire officials and first responders for getting Gleason during the “unsafe circumstances.” The tweet also said they will update as they know more.
Gleason has been battling ALS since 2011. Born and raised in Spokane, Gleason earned consecutive defensive MVP awards as a linebacker while attending school at Gonzaga Prep. After graduating in 1995, he accepted a scholarship to play college football at WSU. In 1997, Gleason served as starting linebacker for the Coug team that advanced to the Rose Bowl.
His athletic accomplishments weren't only limited to football during his time at WSU. He was a four-year starter at center field for the WSU baseball team and holds the school record for most triples.
After college, Gleason began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he helped lead the team to one of their most successful seasons in 2006.