Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason shares photos following a medical emergency

Steve Gleason is an American former professional football player who played as a safety for the New Orleans Saints. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and retired from the NFL in 2008 after eight seasons. Gleason, who diagnosed with ALS in 2011, experienced a medical emergency last week, experiencing low blood pressure and a fever, prompting his doctor to recommend further evaluation at the hospital, as per ESPN.In 2011, Steve Gleason revealed that he was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His experiences while living with the disease were captured on video over the course of a five-year period and featured in the 2016 documentary Gleason.Also Read:“It was the most amazing letter ever written”: Nick Foles' on how his wife's letter convinced him to return to NFL Hurricane Francine caused severe weather conditions, making it difficult for the former football safety to reach Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Despite this, first responders from the New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans EMS transported him to the facility, where he was listed in stable condition. “He’s continuing to be treated, and we are hopeful Steve will do what Steve does and warrior through to get home as quickly as possible,” his rep Clare Durrett told ESPN on Saturday.Gleason, who played seven seasons, blocked a punt in 2006 during Hurricane Katrina's Superdome game, symbolizing the city's resilience. In an email interview with PEOPLE in 2022, Gleason shared his positive mindset and how he communicates during his time with the Saints. “I use a Microsoft Surface Pro, which is like my control center. I have an infrared eye tracker that senses where I’m looking, it allows me to navigate a computer or tablet just as any ordinary person,” Gleason said. “I am able to drive my wheelchair with my eyes.” He added, “When people say, ‘Steve is now imprisoned in his wheelchair,’ or ‘Steve is confined to his wheelchair,’ I 100 percent disagree. I am liberated by my wheelchair. I am set free by the technology.”In 2000, Gleason was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. After being released, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. He was later chosen by the Birmingham Thunderbolts with the 191st pick of the 2001 XFL draft. In September 2006, Gleason blocked a punt by Atlanta Falcons punter Michael Koenen, resulting in a touchdown for Curtis Deloatch. This was the first score in the Saints' first game in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city and team.Also Read: Everything to Know About 2024 NFL's Overtime Rules