From the Vault: Sean Gilbert
Sean Gilbert's two seasons with the Pitt Panthers catapulted a local standout from Aliquippa to a first round draft pick and an 11 season NFL Career. Now the Head Coach of the Livingston Blue Bears, Gilbert continues to give back to the game of football and the athletes who now follow in his footsteps.
In his high school senior season, Gilbert made 91 tackles to lead Aliquippa to a 14-1 record, a WPIAL championship and an appearance in the PIAA championship game. After that same season, Gilbert was named a Parade Magazine All-American, the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year, and the Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania.
Gilbert spent his short time with Pitt earning an impressive collection of accolades. In 1990, Gilbert was named first team all Big East and was an Associated Press All East first team defensive selection. In 1991 he earned All-American honors, ending his college career on a high note in a game against rival Penn State by making 16 tackles and 1½ sacks.
Gilbert declared for the 1992 NFL Draft after his junior season and was drafted third overall in the by the Los Angeles Rams.
He was named to the NFL All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers Association in his first season. The next year his stand out performance including 10½ sacks that season and culminated with his selection to the Pro Bowl. Gilbert went on to play with the Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders. He finished his career with 475 tackles and 42½ sacks.
