Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Unrivaled respect: Falcons’ Blank inspired by former Saints player

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said, “Steve Gleason’s story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor.” KENT D. JOHNSON /KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said, “Steve Gleason’s story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor.” KENT D. JOHNSON /KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM
By Mike Luck
Aug 13, 2016

The Falcons and Saints have been rivals for 50 seasons but Friday night Atlanta owner Arthur Blank said he’s been inspired by a former New Orleans player.

Ex-safety Steve Gleason, who once blocked a punt against Blank’s Falcons in 2006, is fighting ALS, a disease that impacts the lives of more than 6,000 people each year. He is the subject of a new documentary titled “Gleason.”

At a screening Friday night in Atlanta, Blank’s foundation donated $100,000 to The Gleason Initiative Foundation to help provide innovative communication equipment to people with ALS.

“Steve Gleason’s story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor,” Blank said. “Stories like his bring into focus what is truly important. His story is about a life that was dramatically changed by a disease, and how he has courageously chosen to face it. It’s about family and what is most important in life – more important than any game, any play or any rivalry ever will be.”

About the Author

Mike Luck is an Audience Specialist on the sports team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked at the AJC since 1980.

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