Prayers Pouring In After Former NFL Veteran Dies At 53

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 12:47 PM ET

The football world is in mourning this week as beloved former NFL defensive lineman Oliver Gibson passed away. He was 53 years old.

Gibson played college football at Notre Dame before 120th overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1995 NFL Draft. Though he never started a game for Bill Cowher's side, he did play in 60 games for them between 1995 and 1998 and parlayed his time there into five solid years with the Cincinnati Bengals between 1999 and 2003.

By the end of his playing career, Gibson had nearly 250 tackles and 17.5 sacks. During his time in Cincinnati he tallied 10 passes defended and 37 tackles for loss.

After his NFL career, Gibson worked as a philanthropist and businessman. He later became the head coach of high school alma mater, the Romeoville Spartans. He coached his son Zach Gibson, who went on to become a wide receiver in college.

Tributes have been pouring out for Gibson since the news of his passing was first announced. His alma maters and many NFL people who knew him have all offered their condolences to his family and loved ones:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Oliver Gibson. We send our condolences to his family and friends," the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shared on Monday.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Oliver Gibson. We send our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Saz7l8Xwnq
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) June 30, 2025

"RHS football is saddened by the passing of RHS legend on the field and former Head Football Coach Oliver Gibson. RIP, keep former Spartan @ZQGUNO4 and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Romeoville Spartan Football wrote on X.

"Devastated to hear of the passing of one of my favorite Chicago area players Oliver Gibson. 1989 USA today DPOY. Romeoville HS, IL, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Wonderful young man, team leader with a great personality. Oliver is on the left. RIP," writer Tom Lemming wrote.

"RIP Oliver Gibson (1972-2025). Aside from being a great defensive tackle for the Bengals in the early 2000s, the man was a father, a philanthropist, doing his dissertation, and running 2 companies... all at the same time. Seriously incredible," another user wrote on X.

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 16: A view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet before an AFC wild card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan 16, 2022 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Our hearts go out to Gibson's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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