Former New Orleans Saints football player Steve Gleason is set to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor presented to a civilian in the United States.

President Donald Trump signed legislation yesterday to award the 41 year old, who has  ALS, this distinguished recognition. According to ESPN, the award will be given to 'honor him for his work as an advocate for people with the paralyzing neuromuscular disease.'

Gleason is the first NFL player to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He established the Team Gleason Foundation to provide technology to assist ALS patients, and help them lead more fulfilling lives. A documentary about his journey, called 'Gleason' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. Watch the official trailer below.

 

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