Sports Illustrated hosts New York premiere for Gleason documentary

The film, which played at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, follows the life of former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason after his ALS diagnosis.

Sports Illustrated hosted the New York premiere for the movie Gleason on Tuesday.

The movie, which played at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, follows the life of former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason after his ALS diagnosis. Gleason was diagnosed with the disease in 2011, and found out soon after his wife was pregnant with their first child.

Gleason started The Gleason Initiative Foundation to help raise money and awareness for those with ALS.

Among those in attendance at the premiere included NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens. New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz and ex-Giants defensive end Justin Tuck also attended, as well as former NFL linebacker Scott Fujita, a producer of the film 

‘Gleason’ New York Premiere

'Gleason' New York Premiere

Taylor Ballantyne

Taylor Ballantyne

Michael Strahan, Michel Varisco, 'Gleason' director Clay Tweel, producer Mary Rohlich, and Scott Fujita

Taylor Ballantyne

Scott Fujita, 'Gleason' director Clay Tweel, and Roger Goodell

Taylor Ballantyne

Scott Fujita, Victor Cruz and Justin Tuck

Taylor Ballantyne

Terrell Owens and Scott Fujita

Taylor Ballantyne

Roger Goodell

Taylor Ballantyne

Laura Gomez

Taylor Ballantyne

Mike Doyle

Taylor Ballantyne

Terrell Owens

Taylor Ballantyne

Victor Cruz

Taylor Ballantyne

Justin Tuck and wife Lauran

Taylor Ballantyne

Justin Tuck

Taylor Ballantyne

Marques Colston and wife Emily

Taylor Ballantyne

Zak DeOssie and wife Kate

Taylor Ballantyne

Eric West

Taylor Ballantyne

Tashiana Washington

Taylor Ballantyne

Tashiana Washington and Eric West

Taylor Ballantyne

Allen Maldonado

Taylor Ballantyne

Berto Colon

Taylor Ballantyne

Tessa Albertson

Gleason played with the Saints from 2000–07, mostly on special teams. He played in 83 games in his career, recording 65 total tackles.

Gleason is best remembered for blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the first game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.