Steve Gleason opens up on how Saints’ ‘Rebirth’ game has kept him alive through ALS battle 20 years later

The parallels between Steve Gleason's legendary blocked punt, what it meant for the city of New Orleans and how it resembles his own personal struggle are chilling. A play on the football field that will forever be known as the "rebirth" of New Orleans was, in many ways, a "rebirth" for Gleason. He just did not know it at the time.

Almost exactly 20 years ago, the New Orleans Saints returned to the Superdome for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. The venue that served as a shelter for thousands during and after the storm became, once again, the home of a proud football team. A minute and a half after the opening kickoff of the Sept. 25, 2006, game against the rival Atlanta Falcons, Gleason made the most memorable play in franchise history, blocking a punt that was scooped up in the end zone. It was a play that gave the Saints and the city of New Orleans hope once again.

20 years ago, the @Saints player their first game back in The Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.The Steve Gleason blocked punt will live on forever. 💛ATLvsNO – 8:15pm ET on ESPNStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BUyftIq5D3

On Monday…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/