"Rebirth" Statue unveiled outside the Mercedez-Benz Superdome to commemorate Steve Gleason's famous moment in team history (Photos courtesy of the New Orleans Saints).

While it might be up for debate if it is the best moment in New Orleans Saints history, Steve Gleason's famous blocked punt may be the most emotional of them all.

A statue of the play that sparked first Saints touchdown during their first home game in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in September 2006 was unveiled Friday afternoon outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The "Rebirth" sculpture commemorates the moment when Gleason, a former Saints safety and special teams ace, blocked a punt by Atlanta Falcons punter Michael Keonen. When teammate Curtis DeLoach recovered the loose ball in the endzone for a touchdown, the Superdome exploded. The Saints were winning, and New Orleans itself was back.

Dignitaries including Saints and New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other dignitaries were present along with local folk hero Gleason, who currently is battling ALS.

"This is awesome," noted Gleason, who serves as an inspiration to Saints fans and many others as he bravely battles the life-threatening disease while working to help others afflicted by it.

The statue is located on southwest corner of the plaza level outside of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.