Steve received an ALS diagnosis in 2011. He was determined to thrive after the terminal neuromuscular disease diagnosis. He hopes to encourage others to do so as well. He and Michel, his wife, formed Team Gleason, with the mission of bringing ALS to the forefront and inspiring others to overcome the challenges of the disease. Following his inner guidance, Steve has told his own story numerous times through the media, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, CNN, HBO, and the NFL Network. He has been the Inspiration of the Year for Sports Illustrated. Steve has also spoken at the United Nations Social Innovation Summit twice.

In 2015, Congress passed “The Steve Gleason Act” unanimously to make communications devices available to those who need life-sustaining support. By 2018, after 3 years, the “Enduring Voices Act” passed in February, replacing the first law to ensure the availability of life-sustaining communication devices for those who are most in need.

Steve's enduring commitment to serving as a spokesperson to raise awareness about ALS has garnered national support. On an international level, the NFL player turned political activist has placed ALS on the forefront of Congressional and United Nations agendas. He travels the world encouraging those with ALS and all of humanity to find purpose in life's challenges.