Former NFL Defensive Tackle Oliver Gibson Dies at 53

Oliver Gibson, a former NFL defensive tackle who played nine seasons primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, has died at age 53. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Steelers out of Notre Dame, Gibson spent four seasons mostly as a backup before joining the Bengals in 1999, where he became a key player, starting 57 games and recording 12 sacks over five seasons. He finished his career with brief stints at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills in 2004. After retiring from professional football, Gibson returned to his hometown of Romeoville, Illinois, to coach football and assist with basketball at his alma mater, Romeoville High School. Tributes poured in from former teammates, coaches, and notable figures including Lou Holtz and Chad Johnson, highlighting Gibson's leadership, personality, and lasting impact on those around him. His death has been mourned widely across the football community and beyond.