Saints legends congratulate Steve Gleason on his latest award from ESPN

The award is given to individuals "whose contributions transcend sports." Recipients of the award are intended to reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe and possess strength, courage and willingness to stand up for their beliefs in the face of adversity.

It was another touching moment involving Gleason. 

Many Saints and NFL legends made sure to congratulate Gleason

Not to mention, Drew Brees got to introduce Gleason. You can tell that Gleason means so much to players from Saints history, even if they did not get to play with him.

Through it all, (Steve Gleason) has never given in, never stopped fighting, No White Flags. And never stopped finding ways to inspire, impact, and write his own story.

-- Drew Brees

The former Saints defender was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011. There is no known cure for ALS.

Gleason and his wife, Michel, founded their nonprofit organization, Team Gleason, following his ALS diagnosis. The organization's mission is to improve life for others living with ALS by providing technology, equipment and support services.

In 2020, Gleason became the first football player to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded to civilians, for work with ALS.