Fred Gibson (American football)
Fred Gibson | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 26, 1981 |
| Occupation | Former professional athlete |
| Known for | American football wide receiver, NBA Development League guard |
Fred Gibson (born October 26, 1981) is a former professional athlete who competed as a wide receiver in American football and as a guard in the NBA Development League. He played both football and basketball at the University of Georgia.
College career
At Georgia, Gibson pursued a major in Speech Communications. Wearing jersey number 82 for the Bulldogs football team, he led his squad during his senior year by recording seven touchdowns and 49 catches totaling 801 yards. Throughout his collegiate football career, the team achieved an overall record of 42 wins and 10 losses.
In addition to football, Gibson participated in one season of basketball as a walk-on freshman in 2001, where he averaged 4.9 points across 18 games.
Gibson was among several University of Georgia football players who were ruled ineligible after selling an SEC championship ring.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Gibson in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. On May 31, 2005, he agreed to a three-year contract worth $1.221 million, which included a $296,000 signing bonus and salary increments from $230,000 to $385,000 annually. Receivers coach Bruce Arians commended his combination of height, speed, and potential. Gibson was released on September 3, 2005, but was added to the Miami Dolphins practice squad two days later.
Miami Dolphins
Gibson spent the entire 2005–06 season on the Dolphins’ practice squad and was waived during final roster cuts prior to the 2006–07 season. After clearing waivers, he was re-signed to the practice squad on September 3, 2006.
Atlanta Falcons
After his contract with Miami's practice squad expired on January 8, 2007, Gibson signed with the Atlanta Falcons on February 17, 2007. However, he was released three days into training camp due to missing a mandatory spring meeting along with other unspecified reasons.
St. Louis Rams
Gibson joined the St. Louis Rams on August 6, 2007, but was cut from the roster on August 31, 2007.
New York Giants
Following his release from the Rams, Gibson briefly joined the New York Giants’ practice squad on September 3, 2007, but was let go five days later.
NBA D-League
In the 2008 NBA Development League draft, Gibson was chosen in the tenth round (147th pick overall) by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Over 45 games, he averaged 7.3 points and contributed 1.2 blocks per contest. He departed from the Thunderbirds in March and signed with the Austin Toros in April, appearing in three games without scoring any points. Gibson received an invitation back to the Toros for the 2009–10 season but was released prior to its start.