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Steve Gleason's letter to New Orleans video
Posted on 8/23/15 at 3:40 pm
Posted on 8/23/15 at 3:40 pm
heartfelt letter from Mr. Gleason
Article
video on youtube
quote:
Dear New Orleans,
I was born amongst the mountains and cool, clear rivers of the Pacific Northwest, a place that is different from New Orleans in seemingly every single way. I first moved to New Orleans nearly 15 years ago to play for the Saints. At the time, I was fighting to find a home in the NFL. A decade and a half later, I can proudly say I am a New Orleanian.
New Orleans is a small city, which resonates of family, dysfunctional at times, but surely a family. It seems a normality now, but while exploring those first few years I was astonished by the closeness of the families I met. I love New Orleans, but I understand that this city is not for everyone. If you are a clean freak the city will likely give you hives. If you’re intolerant of creative expression, the city will overwhelm you. Are you confined to a schedule, punctuality or structure? Good luck. If you’re the reclusive, solitary type, the city will open you up like a can of sardines or maybe a lotus flower. If you’re vaunting or spotless, the city will expose your humanity and promptly celebrate your stains. If you’re the type of person who surrenders when adversity strikes you won’t last through hurricane or football season.
In 2011, I was diagnosed with a hurricane of a disease – ALS. Terminal. Death, two to five years. Like this city’s levees in 2005 my invincible body has failed me. But like the residents of a city built two feet below sea level, I choose to be an idealist. We simply must be steadfast, maniacal idealists.
When the world sees tragedy, idealists see opportunity. When the world folds its hand, idealists double down. When the world retreats, idealists reinvent. Idealism isn’t for the faint-hearted or weak-minded. ALS and the water surrounding New Orleans have shattered our hearts a thousand times over, but somehow, like the local banana tree, our enduring hearts piece themselves back together each and every time. Rebuild. Rebirth. Repeat.
Many people say the 2006 Saints gave hope to the people of New Orleans. I see it differently. When I blocked the punt on that Monday night with the world watching I was buoyed by a stadium and a city full of preposterous, hair-brained, unyielding and passionate idealists. We call them Who Dats.
This city breeds and attracts unique, outrageous people. Bedraggled people who are honest enough to consecrate their shortcomings. Innovative people who see opportunity where others see chaos. Humble people who honor the mosquito and the cockroach. Transparent people who will share with you whether you like it or not. Persistent people who rebuild when their city or their lives fall apart. Fierce people who protect what they love, and love a great deal.
I helped win the first playoff game in Saints history. I have a Super Bowl ring and a 9-foot statue outside my old office, the Superdome. But what I enjoy most about New Orleans is the infatuated, idealist citizens and the pervasive wholly, nourishing culture of family.
Love ya’ll,
Steve, a New Orleanian
Article
video on youtube
This post was edited on 8/23/15 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 8/23/15 at 6:13 pm to raveystboy
Right in the feels...
We love you, Steve.
We love you, Steve.
Posted on 8/23/15 at 6:33 pm to The Midnight Rider
I saw this earlier. Lots of pollen in the air today.
Posted on 8/23/15 at 8:54 pm to FanInLA
What a man.
I sure hope he isn't to the point in his battle where this is somewhat of a farewell letter.
I sure hope he isn't to the point in his battle where this is somewhat of a farewell letter.
Posted on 8/23/15 at 9:40 pm to raveystboy
Came here looking for a post about this. Just watched the video after somebody shared it on Facebook. Incredibly powerful and someone was definitely cutting onions.
Who dat.
Who dat.
Posted on 8/23/15 at 9:52 pm to raveystboy
#NoWhiteFlags
Buying some Gleason Jerseys this year baby!
Love you Steve Gleason #37 always
Buying some Gleason Jerseys this year baby!
Love you Steve Gleason #37 always
Posted on 8/24/15 at 2:37 am to raveystboy
You DA MAN STEVE!! A legend. An example to us all.
Posted on 8/25/15 at 10:51 am to Mullet Flap
Damn, Pollen inside my office.......
Thank You Steve.
Thank You Steve.
Posted on 8/25/15 at 12:03 pm to raveystboy
New Orleans is a better place for having him be a part of it.
Posted on 8/25/15 at 1:52 pm to raveystboy
Love you, Steve
ETA: After watching this Jimmy V. would say I've had "one heck of a day!"
ETA: After watching this Jimmy V. would say I've had "one heck of a day!"
This post was edited on 8/25/15 at 1:55 pm
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