On Tuesday evening, former New Orleans Saints and current New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead was honored at the ALS United Greater New York Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala at Pier 60 in Manhattan, NY.
Morstead received the Lou Gehrig Sports Award in recognition of his ‘Punt for ALS’ campaign with the Team Gleason Foundation. This commendation is annually presented to athletes who embody the resilience, strength, and leadership that exemplify Lou Gehrig’s legacy both on and off the field. Morstead was accompanied by New York Rangers legend Adam Graves and New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling, both of whom were also recipients of this prestigious honor.
Thomas Morstead at the Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala with his wife, Lauren (right), and Team Gleason’s Director of Development, Katherine O’Hagan (left).
Photo by Michael Misetic/Overtime PR
While preparing for his 16th NFL season, Morstead partnered with the Team Gleason Foundation to launch the ‘Punt for ALS’ campaign in honor of his beloved friend and teammate, Steve Gleason, who has been courageously fighting the disease for the past 13 years. Through his resilience and perspective, Steve has inspired individuals around the world, actively reflecting his famous quote: No White Flags.
Witnessing Steve’s journey over the years left Morstead feeling compelled to raise awareness for those battling the devastating symptoms of ALS. This ultimately led to his commitment of $1,000 to the ‘Punt for ALS’ campaign for every punt that lands inside the 20-yard line, with a minimum pledge of $10,000 for the 2024 season. Over the course of the opening 10 games, 14 of Morstead’s punts have landed inside the 20-yard line, while the campaign itself has raised over $22,572 of its $100,000 goal.
Morstead was given the opportunity to express his gratitude for ALS United Greater New York during an emotional acceptance speech, highlighting their determination in the exhausting search for a cure. He made sure to acknowledge Steve and anyone else that’s been diagnosed with this cruel disease, referring to them as “perspective givers.” Morstead shared a thought process that keeps him going through times of uncertainty: “You think you’re having a bad day? How would Steve handle it? He demonstrates it every day by continuing to choose to live.” This is a message he has relayed before and even emphasized during my interview with him prior to the season.
Please consider donating here. Throughout the final eight weeks of the season, donors will be entered for a chance to win exclusive incentives, including signed game-worn jerseys by Morstead himself and/or the opponent. Donation incentives will be announced before each game via Morstead’s Instagram (@thomasmorstead) and reposted by the official Team Gleason account (@teamgleason). Additionally, every ‘Punt for ALS’ donor will have a chance to win two tickets to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans this February. Every contribution, regardless of the amount, makes a difference and inches them closer to their goal.
Source : CanalStreetChronicles