In 2011 he was forced to retire after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In 2014, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson donated $5 million to Steve  to hep with his care. Benson called Gleason an “NFL legend”. In addition to helping Steve, the money was used to help fund Team Gleason House which supports 18 patients with neuromuscular disorders. He was featured in the 2016 documentary Gleason. In 2018 he has his wife Michel had their first child. In 2015 Gleason received the George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers Association.