Antonio Gibson

Antonio Maurice Gibson (born July 5, 1962) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the Philadelphia Stars in the United States Football League. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati.

Gibson attended Murrah High School, where he practiced football and track. He enrolled at Hinds Junior College in Jackson, Mississippi.After two successful seasons at Hinds, he was recruited by universities in Mississippi, as well as Nebraska, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Murray State (KY).

After his sophomore season, he transferred to the University of Cincinnati. He played for head coach Mike Gottfried and his Wide Tackle Six defense He also was coached by defensive coordinator Ron Zook (Current Head Coach, University of Illinois), and to this day, Antonio tells people that, “the things that Ron Zook taught me in college carried me through the NFL. I never had a position coach better than Ron Zook.”

Gibson played safety and lead the team in tackles during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. He was named a team captain as a senior. Hefinished his career with 270 tackles and 7 interceptions. He also received the following honors: two-time AP Honorable-Mention All-American, All-Metro conference selection, and UC Bearcat Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.

Philadelphia Stars (USFL)

Gibson was selected by the Philadelphia Stars in the fourth round (41st overall) of the 1983 USFL Draft. He played 3 years until the league folded, two of them Championship seasons.

New Orleans Saints (first stint)

In 1986, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. He was named the starting strong safety in the fourth week of the season. He posted 75 tackles, 2 interceptions and was named to Football Digest's All-Rookie team. His Head Coach during most of his professional career was Jim Mora Sr. and his Position Coach was longtime NFL Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers.

In 1987, he suffered a broken arm in the tenth game against the New York Giants and was placed on the injured reserve list. He posted 44 tackles and one interception in 10 starts.

In 1988, even though he was limited with a foot injury, he registered 31 tackles in 10 games. He also blocked a field goal attempt against the Los Angeles Rams.

In 1989, he started 3 games and was mostly a backup behind Gene Atkins. He was a part of a defense that set eight franchise records, including fewest yards allowed and most fumbles recovered in a single-season.

Dallas Cowboys

In 1990, the Dallas Cowboys signed Gibson as a Plan B free agent. He was released before the start of the season on August 16.

Birmingham Fire (WLAF)

In 1992, he played for the Birmingham Fire of the World League of American Football.

New Orleans Saints (second stint)

On July 27, 1992, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He was released before the start of the season. On November 19, he was re-signed to replace the injured Brett Maxie. He was a backup at safety and appeared in 6 games. He wasn't re-signed after the season.