Mike Triplett, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Steve Gleason's postgame joy a lasting memory from Superdome rebirth

One of my most lasting memories from the New Orleans Saints' unforgettable return to the Superdome 10 years ago today was Steve Gleason's postgame interview.

It was clear how much he appreciated being able to block that punt and be a part of that magical night for his adopted hometown of New Orleans.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t even there for it in person -- because of the newspaper deadline, a colleague called quotes up to use from the locker room. But I vividly remember being captivated by Gleason’s quotes as I heard them.

"Athletically, it was the coolest thing I've ever done, no doubt. I'm the little kid that dreams of playing in the NFL and doing something great, and tonight I did it," Gleason said that night. "I'm never going to be a Hall of Fame defensive back. That's probably going to be as good as it gets for me."

Technically, Gleason turned out to be wrong about that last part. Since being diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Gleason has become a renowned advocate for those with neuromuscular diseases -- inspiring a new law passed in 2015 and a critically-acclaimed documentary film, among countless other accomplishments.

But his blocked punt still ranks as one of the greatest moments in not only Saints history, but the city’s history.

"It was so loud inside my own head, I could have jumped out of my own skin,” Gleason said that night. “I felt like I was in every inch of the Superdome, up in the crowd, just so happy that I could do that for the people. I couldn't ask for anything more.

"I'm going to be honest -- I just sat, thought about it and thought about it, believed I was going to make a big play for this team and this city. And I did it, man.”

Stay tuned for many more memories of that unforgettable night in a detailed oral history Monday on ESPN.com.

^ Back to Top ^