In a heartfelt tribute to resilience and creative expression, former NFL player Steve Gleason has unveiled a new music project entitled REBIRTH. The twelve-track album reflects on the themes of family, loss, and the deeply personal experience of living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This release coincides with significant anniversaries in Gleason’s life—twenty years since the New Orleans Saints returned to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina, and fifteen years since he was diagnosed with ALS.
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Gleason, now 49 years old, is a celebrated figure in the world of American football, particularly for his iconic play during the “Rebirth” game in 2006 against the Atlanta Falcons. In an interview, he expressed how music has become an essential outlet for self-expression that transcends his current limitations. “Music became a way to access parts of myself that I have not lost to ALS,” Gleason shared. Although he can no longer play the guitar, sing, or utilise his voice due to the effects of the disease, his desire to convey his emotions endures.
The tracks on REBIRTH were developed collaboratively over six months with a group of talented musicians from New Orleans. Gleason described how the songwriting process allowed him to tap into a range of emotional experiences, stating, “I hope people hear REBIRTH and connect with those parts of themselves too—the parts that circumstance can’t take away.” He emphasised the importance of recognising one’s capacity for creativity, love, and growth, regardless of life’s challenges, urging listeners to make “full contact with Life” because “you’re not dead, yet”.
The lyrical content of the album addresses a variety of subjects, including familial bonds, grief, and the physical struggles that have accompanied his diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, Gleason is keen to convey a message of living life to the fullest. The first two singles from the project—“Sonic Boom,” featuring acclaimed musician Trombone Shorty, and “Soul Is Invincible,” guest-starring Marc Broussard—were released on October 1st, with ten additional tracks planned for future release.
The project serves not only as a personal expression but as a pivotal nod to the Saints’ history. The timing honours the emotional memory of the team’s comeback to the Superdome in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster—a moment that Gleason played a critical role in through his record-setting punt block.
Gleason’s involvement in the project extends beyond just songwriting; he appears in the music video for REBIRTH, which was shot at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans. His presence in the video showcases both his enduring passion for music and his commitment to his hometown, further solidifying his status as a local hero.
In celebration of the album’s launch and the Saints’ upcoming game against the Falcons on October 5th, Gleason will partake in various festivities in New Orleans. Events planned include a second line march into Champions Square, as well as a pre-game concert featuring live performances of songs from REBIRTH—a first for the project’s musicians.
As Gleason continues to navigate his journey with ALS, he serves as an inspiring figure for many. His determination to share his story through music not only highlights the power of creativity but also shows the profound personal connections that can be forged even in the face of adversity. Through REBIRTH, Gleason invites everyone to discover the resilience and the indomitable spirit that lies within us all.