Tashaun Gipson

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. Bio

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. is an American professional football safety who has played in the National Football League since 2012. Born on August 7, 1990, in San Bernardino, California, Gipson established himself as a reliable defensive back through his instinctive playmaking ability and leadership in the secondary. After playing college football at the University of Wyoming, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 2012. Throughout his career, Gipson has demonstrated a knack for creating turnovers, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 and accumulating 33 career interceptions. He has played for six NFL franchises, including two separate stints with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers, showcasing his durability and value as a veteran presence in defensive backfields.

Early Life and Background

Gipson was born in San Bernardino, California, and grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Justin F. Kimball High School. At Kimball, he was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track and field. His exceptional athleticism translated to the football field, where he played multiple positions including quarterback, wide receiver, free safety, and served as a punt and kick returner. As a senior, Gipson earned Most Valuable Player honors in the 4A District 14 Dallas City League while also receiving First Team All-District accolades as both a cornerback and returner. On defense, he recorded 35 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries during his final high school season.

His offensive and special teams contributions were equally impressive, as he accumulated over 1,400 all-purpose yards and scored 14 touchdowns while serving as team captain. Gipson attracted recruiting interest from several college programs, including Baylor, Louisville, Fresno State, and Idaho. His versatility and competitive nature laid the foundation for his future success at the collegiate level.

College Career at University of Wyoming

Gipson chose to continue his football career at the University of Wyoming, where he played for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2008 to 2011. A significant factor in his decision was the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Marcell Gipson, as both brothers suited up for the Cowboys from 2008 to 2010. The Gipson brothers primarily played cornerback during their first three seasons together. Throughout his collegiate career, Gipson started every game, demonstrating his reliability and durability as a defensive player.

The 2011 season proved to be his most productive statistically. Playing primarily at safety after starting the year at cornerback, Gipson recorded 95 total tackles including 73 solo tackles and 22 assists, half a sack, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. He had previously recorded three interceptions as a sophomore in 2009 and three more as a junior in 2010. Alongside his brother Marcell, Tashaun tied for the team lead in pass deflections with 10 each during their junior year. His performance earned him Second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2011, validating his development as a shutdown corner and eventual safety.

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. Career

Cleveland Browns (2012–2015)

Gipson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Cleveland Browns on April 29, 2012, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $1.44 million. He competed for backup playing time during training camp against Ray Ventrone, Usama Young, David Sims, and Emanuel Davis. Head coach Pat Shurmur named him the third free safety on the depth chart behind Eric Hagg and Ray Ventrone to begin his rookie season. Gipson made his professional debut in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and earned increased playing time after Hagg struggled in the first two games.

During his rookie season, Gipson recorded his first career start in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and picked off his first career pass from Brady Quinn in a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs the following week. He finished his rookie year with 33 combined tackles and one interception in 10 games with three starts. The 2014 season marked his breakthrough year. Despite suffering a knee injury in November that ended his season early and required placement on injured reserve, Gipson led the league in interceptions at the time of his injury and ultimately finished second with six picks. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, though he could not participate due to his injury. He was ranked 67th in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 by his peers. In four seasons with the Browns, Gipson accumulated 240 tackles, 23 pass deflections, and 14 interceptions.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2016–2018)

On March 9, 2016, Gipson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, agreeing to a five-year, $36 million contract with $12 million guaranteed and a $4 million signing bonus. He was immediately named the starting free safety alongside strong safety Johnathan Cyprien. In his first season with the Jaguars, Gipson recorded 41 tackles and one interception in 16 starts. The following year, he played a crucial role in the Jaguars winning the AFC South title with a 10-6 record and earning a playoff berth. During the 2017 season, he recorded 64 tackles, seven pass deflections, and four interceptions while helping the team advance to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

The 2018 season saw Gipson record 54 tackles and one interception in 16 starts before the Jaguars released him on March 8, 2019, due to salary cap considerations. In three seasons with Jacksonville, he appeared in 48 games, accumulating 159 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and six interceptions while establishing himself as a veteran leader in the secondary.

Houston Texans (2019)

Gipson signed with the Houston Texans on March 12, 2019, agreeing to a three-year, $22.5 million contract with $11.25 million guaranteed. He made his Texans debut in the season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints and recorded his first interception of the season during a victory over the Atlanta Falcons, returning it 79 yards for a touchdown. He added another interception the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 31 with a back injury, causing him to miss the playoffs. In 14 games that season, Gipson recorded 51 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a pick-six.

Chicago Bears (2020–2021)

After being released by the Texans in April 2020, Gipson signed with the Chicago Bears on May 1, 2020, agreeing to a one-year, $1.05 million contract. He immediately became a starter and contributed to a defense that reached the playoffs. During the 2020 season, he recorded 66 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions while appearing in all 16 games with 16 starts. In the Wild Card Round against the Saints, he recorded eight tackles and a strip sack on Taysom Hill. The Bears signed him to a one-year extension in April 2021 worth $2.55 million. During the 2021 season, he recorded his first career NFL sack and finished with 47 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 12 games.

San Francisco 49ers (2022–Present)

Gipson joined the San Francisco 49ers on August 22, 2022, signing a one-year contract worth $1.12 million. After being released and signed to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster in September. He quickly became a vital component of the defense, recording five interceptions to lead the team during the regular season while appearing in 17 games with 16 starts. His performance helped the 49ers finish 13-4 and capture the NFC West title. The team advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. In March 2023, the 49ers signed Gipson to a one-year extension worth $2.9 million with $2.17 million guaranteed.

The 2023 season proved to be a memorable one for Gipson and the 49ers. He recorded 60 tackles, three pass deflections, one sack, and an interception while helping the team finish 12-5 and earn the top seed in the NFC playoffs. The 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round and overcame the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the Super Bowl, Gipson recorded five tackles, but the 49ers fell to the Chiefs 25-22 in overtime. In July 2024, before the season began, Gipson received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The Jaguars signed him in August 2024 but released him in November. He returned to the 49ers in November 2024, finishing the season with six tackles in nine games.

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2012 to 2024, Gipson has established himself as a playmaking safety with a propensity for creating turnovers. His career totals include appearances in 172 regular season games with 145 starts, accumulating 690 career tackles, 69 pass deflections, 33 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, and 2.5 sacks.

2025 Season Outlook

As Gipson enters the 2025 season, he brings a wealth of experience spanning 13 NFL seasons with multiple franchises. His ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers remains his most valuable trait, though he will need to prove he can still contribute at a high level following a reduced role in 2024. If he makes the 49ers roster, his veteran presence could prove invaluable in a secondary that features younger players. Gipson’s football intelligence and leadership qualities could help stabilize a defensive backfield looking to return to championship contention after their Super Bowl loss. The upcoming season represents an opportunity for the seasoned safety to demonstrate that he can still be a difference-maker at the NFL level.