Total Pro Sports
Former NFL star defensive tackle Oliver Gibson, who spent his nine-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, has tragically passed away at 53.
Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported the news, with Oliver Gibson’s former Cincinnati teammate, wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, sharing a tribute on social media.
R.I.P Oliver Gibson “OG” 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8eMFcr7ygl
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 29, 2025
The cause of death was not announced.
Gibson was a star football player at Romeoville High School in Romeoville, Illinois, earning USA Today High School Football Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1989. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was drafted in the fourth round (120th overall) by the Steelers in 1995.
Oliver Gibson saw limited playing time as a rookie, but the Steelers reached Super Bowl 30 that year, losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the big game. Gibson enjoyed an extended role in his sophomore year, logging 2.5 sacks as the Steelers reached the Divisional Round, falling to the New England Patriots.
After four seasons with the Steelers, Gibson joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 1999. He enjoyed his best years there, recording a career-high 4.5 sacks in his first season with his new team. Gibson hit four sacks (the second-best mark of his career) in 2000.
He retired after the 2003 season. Per Clark, Gibson was later the head football coach at Romeoville High School and also worked as an assistant basketball coach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Oliver Gibson during this difficult time.
Gibson walked away from football with 133 career games under his belt. He tallied 17.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and 243 combined tackles during his playing career.
Also Read: Aaron Rodgers Is Already Calling The Shots & Telling The Steelers’ Front Office What To Do
