[1] In his first and only season playing basketball for Lawson State Community College, Gladness averaged modest numbers with 3.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

[1][2] He set an NCAA Division I single game record with 16 blocks against Texas Southern on February 24, 2007.

[1][2] Despite showing similar statistics otherwise, Gladness' blocks per game average dropped to 4.5 during his senior year.

[1][2] It is speculated that opposing players now knew of his shot-blocking ability and avoided getting too close for him to block their shots.

[2] In November 2009, Gladness was acquired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League where he went on to help the team win the 2010 D-League championship.

Later that month, he joined San Lorenzo de Almagro of Argentina, but his stint lasted just three games.

[citation needed] On May 6, 2016, Gladness joined NBL All-Australian side in China to provide some additional height and defensive play in the three-game series against the Chinese national team.

[citation needed] On September 10, 2018, Gladness returned to Israel for a second stint, signing a one-month contract with Ironi Nes Ziona as an injury cover for Gerald Lee.

[25] On September 26, 2018, Gladness recorded a season-high 22 points, shooting 9-of-12 from the field, along with seven rebounds and three blocks in a 100–76 win over the Södertälje Kings.

[26] On October 5, 2018, Gladness signed a one-month contract extension with Nes Ziona after impressing during their first games in the FIBA Europe Cup Qualifying rounds.

[27] On November 14, 2018, Gladness parted ways with Nes Ziona to join the Italian team Pistoia Basket.

[citation needed] On February 27, 2019, Gladness joined Portuguese team Benfica for the rest of the season.