The hero behind New Orleans Saints legend Steve Gleason: Michel Varisco Gleason
By Dean Mullen
There is no doubt that Steve Gleason will always be legendary in Saints history forever. The story has been told several times. He will always be remembered for the block that symbolized the recovery of the city of New Orleans. For every great man though, there is a great woman that deserves much of the credit as well. His wife Michel Gleason is as much as a legend as Steve Gleason.
This Monday marks the 10th anniversary of the Gleason block against the Atlanta Falcons. Most fans would agree that this tops even the Super Bowl win in 2009. However, there is a name that Saints fans may not be as familiar with. Her name is Michel Varisco Gleason.
The two got married just two years after the historical block. Gleason would find out later in 2011 that he was diagnosed with ALS. Soon after this, the couple would find out that they would be having their first child. The movie “Gleason” that was released recently showed an inside look at Steve, Michel, and Rivers (their first born son).
Michel looks back after the movie was made:
"I looked to see what ALS does, but I didn’t pay attention to what was going to happen next. We had to live each day as it went, because who the hell knew what he would lose next."
The personal footage from these videos was supposed to be for Gleason’s unborn son. These videos were originally made so that Rivers would know more about his father and the struggles that went along with the disease. The footage was surely taken to show that Steve Gleason and Michel Gleason loved each other so much and fought so hard during this time.
Without Michel Gleason, there would surely be a missing angel near Steve’s side. Her love, dedication, and fight surely has kept Steve motivated and positive even during the darkest times. Caregivers are sometimes forgotten in these legendary stories. This strong woman and mother stayed by his side and continues to provide support that we will never understand.
Who Dat Nation must see the movie “Gleason” to get at least a small snippet into what this couple has overcome. Steve Gleason cannot hug Michel or communicate with Michel, however there is a love that cannot be defined by society’s norms. The love and faith that they share is bigger than any love, that any person will ever feel.