Years After ALS Battle, 46YO Former Football Safety Mourns Saddening Demise of 76-Year-Old Legend

The guy who made “Margaritaville” a hit was more than just a singer. Jimmy Buffett was a huge fan of the New Orleans Saints‘ football. Sadly, the American singer-songwriter passed away not long ago. And one person who really misses him is Steve Gleason. Steve used to play for the Saints, but he’s got this rare disease called ALS that takes control of his body. He’s 46 years old, just like Buffett was 76 when he passed.

On September 2, 2023, the Saints told everyone that Buffett had left us. They said he was an incredible artist, a die-hard fan, a great friend, and the life of every party. They promised that Buffett’s memory would live on forever. Steve Gleason also opened up about his memories of Jimmy Buffett.

Jimmy Buffett loved New Orleans

George Halas Award winner Gleason said he had fun with Jimmy at the Dome, “I enjoyed hanging with Jimmy in the Dome,” where the Saints play. Jimmy Buffett loved the Saints since 1967, when he went to their first game. He was there when they won the NFC championship in 2010.

Buffett even sang the national anthem at a big game in 2019. He was a true fan of the city and its music and enjoyed Jazz Fest and other events. “He was an iconic performer, a true Saints fan, a dear friend of New Orleans, and the life of the party.” New Orleans Saints expressed. “Jimmy will be dearly missed but celebrated forever.” However, Steve Gleason knows what it’s like to fight a tough battle.

Steve Gleason inspired Microsoft

Gleason has ALS, which is a disease that slowly takes away the ability to do everyday tasks. He was diagnosed in 2011, the same year he got a Super Bowl ring from the Saints and the key to the city from the mayor. He was very emotional because Gleason had just found out he had ALS. Steve has not given up on his dreams and goals.

He has traveled to many places, met with the people in charge, and helped change laws for people with ALS. Veteran NFL safety has been in the news a lot for his story and his mission. In 2014, Sports Illustrated named him one of their Inspirations of the Year. Gleason also gave a speech with Microsoft back in the same year during the Super Bowl commercial.

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In 2015, former NFL challenged Microsoft to make something that would let people who can’t move use their eyes to control their wheelchairs. Microsoft did it, and they also made eye-tracking technology available for all Windows 10 users around the world.

In the end, Steve Gleason is famous for many things, but one of them is blocking a punt in a 2006 game. It became a symbol of hope for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

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