Steve Gleason knows how to break up a room.
The only thing better than his timing on punt blocks is his timing with one-liners.
So it was no surprise Wednesday when the former New Orleans Saints standout lightened the mood at an emotional Saints Hall of Fame press conference to introduce the organization's Class of 2025.
“I’ll be brief,” Gleason said through the voice-banking technology on his computer tablet after officials announced Gleason was the recipient of Hall’s inaugural courage award. “Thanks to the Hall of Fame committee for inventing another award.”
Gleason’s quip sparked laughter from the overflow crowd in the press room at the Saints training facility.
It was classic Gleason, his way of breaking the ice and making light of the situation.
The first-of-its-kind courage award is the second unique honor Gleason has received from the Hall. For years, officials honored his iconic blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006 with a special display in the Hall. Now, the Hall’s board had chosen to recognize him again, this time by creating a special award essentially in his honor.
“I’m grateful for the example of the people of New Orleans, for their courage,” said Gleason, while specifically thanking Saints owner Gayle Benson and general manager Mickey Loomis. “I’m happy and honored to be here with these fellow honorees.”
Gleason’s Saints Hall of Fame recognition was a long time coming. By whatever means it happened -- as a player, contributor, ambassador, courage award honoree -- he certainly belongs in the Saints Hall of Fame.
As a member of the selection committee, I have argued for his induction many times over the years.
Granted, I’m biased. Steve and I arrived in New Orleans at the same time – he as a Saints player, me as a Saints beat writer – and became friends after his playing career ended in 2007. I wrote the initial story when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011 and have worked on numerous projects with him and his family over the years. I recently collaborated with him on his memoir, “A Life Impossible.” So, yes, when it comes to Steve Gleason and his bona fides, I’m an unapologetic card-carrying, flag-waving member of “Team Gleason.”
That said, Steve's Hall of Fame merits stand on their own.
Gleason, as Hall of Fame director Ken Trahan said Wednesday, is one of the best special teams players in Saints history. And that’s saying something, because the club has had some truly great ones, from Tyrone Hughes and Fred McAfee to Michael Lewis and J.T. Gray.
The special teams units Gleason captained in the early 2000s regularly ranked among the league leaders and were some of the best in franchise history. And while he never earned All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, he was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2002 and ESPN named him to their All-Pro team the same year.
While the NFL does not recognize blocked punts as an official statistic, Gleason is believed to be the all-time blocked punt leader in Saints history with four. That might not seem like much until you consider how rarely blocked punts occur. The Saints have blocked a total of 38 in their 58-year history. Six of those came in Gleason’s seven seasons -- and Steve blocked four of them. In the 18 years since Gleason stopped playing, the Saints have blocked only eight punts.
Gleason's punt blocking proficiency didn’t happen by accident. He mastered the skill through years of practice. His special teams coach, Al Everest, taught him how to narrow his frame by turning his shoulder sideways as he approached the point of attack, making it difficult for opposing blockers to get a hand on him. “Act like you’re sliding into an elevator as the doors close,” Everest instructed him. Easier said than done, of course, in the high-speed chaos of a punt rush. The tactic requires a special blend of athleticism and guile. Gleason, with his low center of gravity and rare combination of speed, strength, agility and instincts, was perfectly built for the job. Over time and through tireless effort, he developed into a punt-blocking demon, someone opposing teams had to game plan for each week.
His contributions didn’t end there, though.
He was a headhunter on coverage units and regularly led the team in special teams tackles. Opponents often double-teamed him on returns. He still managed to record 98 special teams tackles, which ranks among the Saints' all-time leaders.
But when it comes to gauging Gleason’s Hall of Fame worthiness, you have to look beyond the statistics, as Mickey Loomis might say.
Gleason is arguably one of the two or three most influential people in franchise history, perhaps trailing only Drew Brees and Archie Manning. His impact transcends sports, which is why luminaries like Barack Obama and Bill Gates have sought audiences with him.
He's won countless honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed in our country, and the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, ESPN’s most prestigious honor.
The goodwill Gleason has spread for the Saints organization through such achievements and his noble efforts to raise awareness of ALS and help other living with the disease is immeasurable.
In every way, Gleason epitomizes what it means to be a Hall of Famer. He embodies the core values of the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- commitment, integrity, courage, respective and excellence -- which is why he was so revered by coaches, teammates and support staff.
I’m glad Tom Dempsey is in the Saints Hall of Fame. His historic 63-yard, game-winning field goal against the Detroit Lions in 1970 remains one of the greatest plays in franchise history. It was THE highlight of early Saints football.
A specialist like Gleason, Dempsey’s Hall of Fame merit is largely based on one historic moment, one iconic play. And while he played just two seasons in New Orleans, selectors deemed him worthy of induction in 1989. And considering the enduring impact and resonance of Dempsey’s kick, it was a deserving honor.
That said, if Dempsey is a Saints Hall of Famer, then Gleason is certainly worthy of induction, as well.
I’m thrilled Hall officials found a way to recognize Steve's amazing career and unprecedented contributions to the organization. No Saints Hall of Fame would be complete without him.