Chronicles Steve Gleason's iconic NFL moment and his subsequent battle with ALS, highlighting resilience and legacy.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Post-Katrina Exile
The Saints endure a year-long road season after Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans and damages the Superdome. A dismal 2005 campaign leads to coaching changes, setting a desperate tone for the franchise.
Key Events
Katrina Devastation — Hurricane floods city and damages stadium
Location: New Orleans
Road Season Exile — Team plays away games for over a year
Location: Various Cities
Coaching Dismissal — Dismal season leads to firing
Location: Front Office
Homecoming on National TV
Sean Payton's arrival brings renewed energy as the team hosts Monday Night Football. The historic game features a welcoming ceremony and a star-studded halftime performance.
Key Events
Coaching Dismissal — Dismal season leads to firing
Location: Front Office
Payton Hired — New coach brings fresh hope
Location: Front Office
MNF Broadcast — Historic homecoming game on TV
Location: Superdome
The Punt Block — Gleason blocks punt, sparks season
Location: Superdome
Homecoming Ceremony — Team officially returns to city
Location: Superdome
Steve Gleason's legendary punt block ignites a magical season and revitalizes the franchise. The play becomes a cultural symbol, inspiring a statue and deep community bonds.
Statue Inspiration — Iconic play inspires public monument
Location: New Orleans
Franchise Revival — Team culture fully restored
Location: Superdome
Confronting ALS
Years later, Gleason faces a devastating ALS diagnosis. The narrative shifts to his personal battle as the disease progresses, highlighting his enduring spirit and legacy.
Key Events
ALS Diagnosis — Gleason diagnosed with incurable disease
Location: Hospital
Motor Decline — Disease slowly robs physical strength
Location: Home
Breathing Dependency — Advanced stage requires breathing aid
Location: Hospital
Legacy of Resilience — Journey inspires millions worldwide
Location: Public
Documentary Release — Film chronicles career and illness
Location: Cinema
Story Breakdown
Katrina Aftermath — Hurricane devastation forces the Saints into a prolonged exile, setting a somber backdrop for the franchise.
Superdome Damage — Stadium suffers major structural harm from flooding.
Year-Long Road Season — Team plays designated home games in distant cities.
Coaching Transition — Poor performance triggers organizational changes to rebuild team morale.
Haslett Dismissal — Head coach fired following a dismal 2005 season.
Payton Hired — New leadership brings strategic vision and hope.
Monday Night Football — National broadcast serves as a pivotal homecoming event for the displaced team.
Welcoming Home Ceremony — Official return celebration marks a new era.
Green Day & U2 Performance — Musical icons perform Saints Are Coming at halftime.
The Punt Block — A single defensive play becomes the catalyst for franchise revival.
Gleason's Defensive Play — Steve Gleason blocks the opposing punt decisively.
Season Spark — The block ignites a magical winning streak.
Franchise Revival — Community and team culture fully recover from past trauma.
Statue Inspiration — Public monument honors the iconic play.
Community Healing — Fanbase and city bonds strengthen significantly.
ALS Diagnosis — A life-altering medical revelation shifts the narrative focus.
Neurodegenerative Onset — ALS diagnosis confirms progressive motor loss.
Motor Function Loss — Daily physical capabilities gradually diminish.
Personal Resilience — Gleason's ongoing journey emphasizes enduring strength and public impact.
Enduring Legacy — Story continues to inspire global audiences.
At the age of 34, former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS and given a life expectancy of two to five years. Weeks later, Gleason found out his wife, Michel, was expecting their first child. A video journal that began as a gift for his unborn son expands to chronicle Steve’s determination to get his relationships in order, build a foundation to provide other ALS patients with purpose, and adapt to his declining physical condition—utilizing medical technologies that offer the means to live as fully as possible.
