SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington State Cougars football legend Steve Gleason is under consideration for a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest and most distinguished honor given by Congress.
Federal lawmakers from Louisiana and Washington have submitted legislation to give Gleason the award. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a republican from Louisiana, says the honor for Gleason is sought for his work as an advocate for people with ALS.
The legislation was submitted Thursday and is also sponsored by Washington senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell as well as Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
The award has been given out by congress since the American Revolution, according to its website, recognizing and expressing “a national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.”
The first recipients of the award participated in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, according to the house of representative’s website.
It has since been broadened to include a broader scope of people.
Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and can no longer walk or speak. He has since worked to help better the lives of ALS patients through his organization Team Gleason.
Earlier this year, Congress passed the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act, which will provide a Medicare payment for communication devices and for the accessories needed to allow them to work effectively. The technology is something people with ALS and similar diseases rely on to communicate.
After his collegiate career, Gleason played for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. A statue outside the Superdome, where the Saints play, depicts Gleason blocking a punt, which he did in the Saints' first home game following Hurricane Katrina.