Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

When Steve Gleason blocked the punt against Atlanta to re-open the Mercedes-Benz Superdome after Hurricane Katrina in September 2006, Michael Mauti was playing for coach Guy LeCompte at Mandeville High School. Little did he know he'd perform a little Throwback Thursday flashback nine years later in another win over the Saints' rival, this one 31-21, as Gleason watched from field level.

With the New Orleans Saints leading 7-0 late in the first quarter, Mauti ran through the Falcons' line on fourth down, slammed a Matt Bosher punt attempt to the turf and rumbled in 4 yards for a touchdown to send the crowd into an uncontrollable tizzy.

"That's just one of those plays that doesn't come around often," said Mauti, whose father, Rich, was a wide receiver and punt returner for the Saints from 1977-83. "I hit the ground, looked and the ball was right there. All of a sudden, I picked it up and just started running with it."

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Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Awesome just awesome

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

I've watched it like 8,000 times at work this morning...I love the way Johnson and Jamarcus Sanford just pile drive in there and help to CARRY HIM into the end zone...ain't nobody stoppin' that train!

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Did you see Steve Gleason winkin' at the camera?!?!?!? That was just an awesome sweet moment. Classic game for the ages. We will be telling our great grandchildren about this game.

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Instant Sainthood. Right up there with Gleason and Porter, I.M.O.

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Add Mauti to the list of people who will never have to buy a drink again in NOLA.

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Tell me again about the "downside" to signing Rich Mauti's Kid.

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

Yeah, that was great. Has movie script written all over it for this years 'America's Game' series!!

Re: Michael Mauti's blocked punt 'special moment' with Steve Gleason in attendance
 

his old man rich mautti was a jack of all trades, chip off the ole block.