Steve Gleason to receive Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at 2024 ESPYS

This is a big moment for Steve Gleason. The New Orleans Saints legend and hero of the 2006 “Rebirth” game after Hurricane Katrina will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPYS ceremony, ESPN announced Thursday.

Gleason has spent his post-football life working to raise awareness of ALS, a rare neurological disease, while doing his part to fund efforts in researching a cure and supporting people who have been afflicted with it. That’s on top of sharing the time he has left with his family, friends, and old teammates.

“Over the past 13 years, I’ve been documenting our journey with ALS,” Gleason wrote on social media in reaction to the news. “My aim has always been to see if we can discover peace and freedom with a love of Life, in the midst of extreme adversity. Being recognized at The 2024 ESPYS is not just an honor, but a powerful platform to further help and serve others. Thank you, ESPN, for this incredible accolade.”

Named for the iconic American tennis champion, ESPN describes the Arthur Ashe award as recognition for recipients who “reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost.”

Past recipients include the United States women’s national soccer team (in 2023), Ukrainian politician and former boxer Vitali Klitschko (in 2022), and four-time WNBA champion Maya Moore (in 2021). Gleason is joining rare company. Be sure to tune in for the awards ceremony on July 11 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.