Oliver Gibson, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, has passed away at the age of 53. His family and Notre Dame confirmed his death.
Playing nine seasons in the NFL after being selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1995 draft, Gibson was part of the same draft class as Mark Bruener, Kordell Stewart, and Brenden Stai. He spent four seasons with the Steelers and another five with the Bengals, totaling 133 games and recording 17.5 sacks along with 243 combined tackles.
His most impressive season came in 1999, when he posted 4.5 sacks and 41 tackles, playing all 16 games for the Bengals. The passing of Gibson has led to heartfelt condolences from his peers, including former Bengals star Chad OchoCinco, who shared his grief on social media.
Before his NFL career, Gibson excelled in high school football in Romeoville, Illinois, where he was named the USA Today High School Defensive Player of the Year. After retiring, he returned to his alma mater in 2014 as the head football coach and also served as an assistant basketball coach. His passing has sparked a wave of tributes from the sports community, acknowledging his contributions both on and off the field.
The news of Gibson’s death has been widely shared across Fox News and other media platforms, with coverage highlighting his achievements and legacy. His family has been the focal point of the mourning process, with friends and colleagues expressing their condolences through various channels, including social media and official statements by his alma mater.