Steve Gleason walks out on field with QB Drew Brees to present the coin toss against the Houston Texans. (Edwin Goode, FOX 8 News)
NEW ORLEANS- Five years ago today, the Superdome re-opened to a roaring home crowd.
Saints fan Dawson Dias vividly remembered the energy buzzing in the air.
"The city was on top of the world coming back from Katrina," Dias said.
Then, it was an electric game as the Saints took on the Atlanta Falcons. Saints Quarterback Drew Brees would agree that it was in that 2006 game a memorable play went down in Saints history.
"Steve Gleason's blocked punt might forever be the most significant single play in the history of our organization," Drew Brees said.
In today's game against the Houston Texans, Gleason made yet another historic moment.
Gleason led an emotional charge as he walked on field, hand on Brees' shoulder, to present the coin toss.
The eight-year NFL veteran announced his fight against Lou Gehrig's disease.
At the game, one former Saints player to be at Gleason's side was Mike McKenzie.
"I could not believe it," McKenzie said. "A lot of different emotions came running through. I started to think about his wife and the little one on the way."
"He is a true inspiration," Brees said. "You are better off for having known Steve Gleason."
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a debilitating and incurable disease. Doctors say it rarely affects people as young as Gleason, who is 34-years-old.
LSU Neurologist Austin Sumner said a person becomes progressively paralyzed in their muscles.
"Unfortunately, the average life span is short from the time of diagnosis to the time of demise, which is between five to seven years on average," Sumner said.
Fans are wishing Gleason well.
"My heart just goes out to him and his family," Saints fan Chris Denning said.
"Thank you for staying in New Orleans. We love you that you stayed here," Dias said.
The Who Dat Nation came together to show love and support for Gleason, who is staying strong in the fight for his life.
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