Falcons owner Blank donates $100K to Steve Gleason's foundation

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank proved Friday that charity trumps divisional rivalries.

Blank donated $100,000 through his foundation to The Gleason Initiative Foundation, which aims to raise public awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Steve Gleason, who started the foundation while fighting ALS, played safety for the New Orleans Saints from 2000-2007, battling against Blank's Falcons twice a year.

The Falcons owner spoke about his impetus to contribute to Gleason's foundation.

"Steve Gleason's story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor," Blank said, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. "Stories like his bring into focus what is truly important. His story is about a life that was dramatically changed by a disease, and how he has courageously chosen to face it. It's about family and what is most important in life - more important than any game, any play or any rivalry ever will be."

Gleason was touched by Blank's donation, and also pointed out that his awareness transcends the long-standing NFC South rivalry.

"Gleason," a documentary about the former safety's life, is airing in select theaters across North America.