Thomas Morstead dedicates season to Steve Gleason, battle against ALS

New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead is dedicating his 16th season in the NFL to ALS awareness in honor of former New Orleans Saints special teams star Steve Gleason.

Morstead announced Tuesday that he will donate $1,000 for each punt he lands inside the opponent’s 20-yard line this season as part of his Punt for ALS campaign. Gleason, who played seven seasons in New Orleans, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011. Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2024 ESPYS last month.

I’m honored to announce that I’m dedicating this season to my dear friend, Steve Gleason, and his unwavering commitment to helping as many people living with ALS as possible. I’ll be donating $1,000 for every punt I land inside the 20-yard line. I’m grateful to be shining light… pic.twitter.com/UlnO4y0IMs

— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) August 6, 2024

“Steve has given so much of himself to others throughout his life and it felt like the right time to give back to him by raising awareness for the incredible work he is doing through his nonprofit Team Gleason Foundation,” Morstead said in a statement. “I’m honored and excited to dedicate my 16th season in the NFL to Steve and his foundation.”

Gleason, 47, is best known for blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 25, 2006, in the Saints’ first game back in New Orleans in nearly 21 months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city the year prior. Saints cornerback Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball and returned it for six, New Orleans’ first touchdown in the game. It is regarded as one of the greatest and emotional moments in Saints history. A statue depicting the blocked punt was placed outside the Caesars Superdome in 2012.

Thomas Morstead visits with Steve Gleason

Morstead, 38, continues to get better with age, dropping a league-high 36 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line this past season. Like Gleason, Morstead has significant ties to New Orleans, spending 11 years with the Saints (2009-20).

Morstead recently visited with Gleason, who was wearing a t-shirt reading “#NeverPunt,” Morstead’s motto. The word “Never” was crossed out on Gleason’s t-shirt.

“Gratitude is sacred,” Gleason said in a statement. “In the midst of immense suffering, I started a daily gratitude journal. Gratitude has been a path to resilience, strength and joy. I’m incredibly grateful for Thomas’ friendship and support. I appreciate him and all those who come together to make a bigger impact on the ALS community.”