Gonzaga Prep graduate and NFL hero Steve Gleason was inducted into Prep's Hall of Fame Tuesday night. Gleason, who was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, chose not to attend but explained why in a blog post Wednesday morning.
"I chose not to go because I wanted to stay close to Rivers and Michel," he wrote, referring to his newborn son and wife.
Gleason's father read a letter at the ceremony and dinner held at the school in North Spokane. The letter credited Gonzaga Prep for many "glorious moments" and mentioned the time his father explained over and over again how to get the combination right on his locker.
He also addressed his current fight with Lou Gehrig's disease.
"Speaking of challenge, most would say I am facing a doozy right now…. Last night, I struggled to put a fork to mouth during dinner and Michel buttoned my pants for me this morning."
He closed by saying, "I love you and I am so grateful for your love."
Gleason played football at Washington State, then in the NFL. His most famous moment was in 2006 when, he blocked a punt in the end zone for the New Orleans Saints in the team's first home game since Hurricane Katrina.
Other Gonzaga Prep Hall of Fame Inductees included John Stockson, Lisa Oriard, Donna Lenseigne, Ron Long, Bill Shanks, Dan Murphy, Tim Welsh, John Traynor, Dick Sprague, Fr. Bill Hayes and the entire 1931 football team.
