Steve Gleason nominated for Congressional Gold Medal

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason has been endorsed for the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his advocacy in the battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known to some as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and has since worked tirelessly to promote awareness and help gain funding for research to find a cure for the condition.

The medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress, and Gleason was nominated by Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy.

"Steve Gleason was a hero for Saints fans and now he is a hero for all Americans as he finds hope and meaning in overcoming disability and creating greater opportunity for others who are disabled," Cassidy said to The Associated Press.

Gleason is perhaps most famous for blocking a punt during a September 2006 game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints' first home game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina.