Steve Gleason delivered an emotional speech before the Apple Cup

During last weekend’s Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State, the Cougars inducted Steve Gleason as the exclusive honoree in the 2014 class of the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

But before Gleason’s induction, he met with Washington State players to offer inspirational words.

Four years ago, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, which has left him bound to a wheelchair and unable to speak. Gleason used a computer to convey his emotional message that many of the players called inspiring.

"I learned this winning formula sitting in the same chairs you are sitting in now," Gleason told the players. "Taking this formula to my ALS diagnosis has born extraordinary results.

"The experts might say my play clock is ticking but I have no intention of fading away.”

Gleason was a four-year letterwinner in both football and baseball at Washington State from 1995-99. Gleason was a two-time captain in football, named All Pac-12 three times and finished his career with 282 tackles, ninth-most in school history.

He is the 178th member of the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

For more Washington State news, visit WazzouWatch.com.

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook