Thomas Morstead’s “Punt for ALS” campaign raises over $101K for the Team Gleason Foundation in fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease

With the help of over 500 donations, the campaign surpassed its $100K goal for the season.

New Orleans Saints legend and current New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead announced via social media that the “Punt for ALS” campaign in partnership with the Team Gleason Foundation has surpassed its initial $100,000 goal for the 2024 season in its fight against the terminal neurodegenerative disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which has afflicted his beloved friend and teammate, Steve Gleason.

Over the course of the season, there were 526 individual donations to raise a total of $101,022. Each donation served as an entry to win exclusive weekly prizes, such as game-worn jerseys signed by Morstead and/or players from opposing teams. These prizes were announced on Morstead’s Instagram (@thomasmorstead) before each game and shared by Team Gleason (@teamgleason).

Morstead’s reasoning behind starting the campaign:

“Steve has given so much of himself to others throughout his life, and it felt like the right time to give back to him by raising awareness for the incredible work he is doing through his non-profit, Team Gleason Foundation…It was an absolute honor to dedicate my 16th NFL season to Steve and his foundation.

I’m eternally grateful for all who joined me in this fight and showed those living with ALS and their families they are not alone. It will continue to take all of us, working together, to make ALS livable for everyone, everywhere, until a cure is found. No white flags!”

Morstead was recognized at the ALS United Greater New York Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala in Manhattan, NY, in mid-November, where he received the Lou Gehrig Sports Award in recognition of his efforts with the “Punt for ALS” campaign and the Team Gleason Foundation. The initiative garnered tremendous support across the league, with jersey donations from punters such as Washington Commanders’ Tress Way, Carolina Panthers’ Johnny Hekker, New York Giants’ Jamie Gillan, Tennessee Titans’ Ryan Stonehouse, New England Patriots’ Bryce Baringer, Arizona Cardinals’ Blake Gillikan, and Los Angeles Rams’ Ethan Evans, as well as kickers Wil Lutz of the Denver Broncos and Jason Sanders of the Miami Dolphins.

Additionally, everyone who donated to the “Punt for ALS” campaign at any point during the season was entered for a chance to win two tickets to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9th, 2025. The tickets were awarded to a lucky fan from Arkansas, Brantley Cook.

Steve Gleason’s thoughts on his dear friend Thomas Morstead’s efforts to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease through the “Punt for ALS” campaign:

“Gratitude is sacred. In the midst of immense suffering, I started a daily gratitude journal. Gratitude has been a path to resilience, strength, and joy…I’m incredibly grateful for Thomas’ friendship and support. I appreciate him and all those who come together to make a bigger impact on the ALS community.”

To learn more about how to support those living with ALS in accessing the resources and opportunities they need to live fulfilling, productive, and meaningful lives, please visit www.TeamGleason.org.