Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts to help individuals with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, after being diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease in 2011.
On Thursday, the Saints announced Gleason is set to become the first NFL player to receive the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress and provided a statement from team owner Gayle Benson:
"It is a true honor to witness Steve Gleason become the first New Orleanian and former NFL legend to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.