Oct. 16--A young Michael Mauti was at the Superdome a little more than nine years ago for one of the biggest moments in New Orleans Saints history -- a blocked punt by Steve Gleason against the Atlanta Falcons, four plays into the first game at the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina.
"That was probably the most electric sports venue I have ever been at," New Orleans-area native Mauti said of the Superdome on Sept. 25, 2006. "I get goose bumps when I think about it."
So how unbelievably perfect was it that Gleason was at the Superdome on Thursday night to see Mauti do this:
Mauti, a third-year linebacker, not only blocked the punt by Atlanta's Matt Bosher, he recovered it for a touchdown to put the Saints up, 14-0. New Orleans (2-4) would go on to get a much-needed 31-21 win over the previously unbeaten Falcons (5-1).
And it all happened with Gleason watching in person.
Before the game, Gleason, who is paralyzed with ALS and uses a wheelchair and a respirator, was presented with the NFL's George Halas Award for overcoming adversity. "Thursday Night Football" aired this tribute:
"I have always looked up to Steve Gleason; he's a hero of mine," Mauti said after the game. "It's so special that he got to be here, and I grew up wanting to be like him."
Needless to say, Gleason was thrilled with Mauti's play.
