Zyon Gilbert Bio
Zyon Gilbert is an American professional football cornerback who began his NFL career with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Gilbert played college football at Florida Atlantic University where he became the school’s all-time leader in games played. He has since played for the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL before joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2026. Gilbert stands 6 feet tall and weighs 193 pounds.
Early Life and Background
Zyon Gilbert was born on February 4, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended Jefferson Davis High School in his hometown where he excelled as a two-way player in football. Gilbert earned all-state honors twice during his high school career and was recognized as the school’s best defensive back and best two-way player. He also received the speed award at the team’s season-ending banquet, showcasing the exceptional athleticism that would define his playing style.
As a three-star recruit, Gilbert committed to play college football at Florida Atlantic University. His early development in Montgomery laid the foundation for a career that would take him from Alabama to the professional ranks of American football.
Path to Professional Football
Gilbert arrived at Florida Atlantic University in 2017 and immediately made an impact. He became the starting cornerback as a true freshman, appearing in 14 games and recording 52 total tackles. His ability to contribute at a high level from his first season demonstrated his readiness for major college competition.
He continued his development over the next four seasons, solidifying his role as a defensive leader. Gilbert’s consistent performance at Florida Atlantic prepared him for the transition to professional football, where he would test his skills against the best players in the world.
Zyon Gilbert Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Gilbert became a starter immediately upon arriving at Florida Atlantic in 2017, recording 52 total tackles in 14 games as a true freshman. He remained a consistent presence in the defensive lineup during the 2018 season, compiling 51 tackles in 12 games while continuing to refine his coverage abilities.
His breakthrough came in 2019 when Gilbert recorded 48 tackles, 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. These performances earned him honorable mention all-conference recognition. He maintained this level of play in 2020, tallying 46 tackles, one interception, and six passes defended to earn his second consecutive honorable mention all-conference selection.
After receiving an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilbert chose to return to Florida Atlantic for a final season in 2021. He appeared in 12 games, finishing with 51 tackles, two interceptions, and 12 passes defended, earning third-team all-conference honors. Gilbert concluded his college career as Florida Atlantic’s all-time leader in games played with 57, accumulating 248 total tackles, 31 passes defended, and five interceptions.
New York Giants (2022–2023)
Despite not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Gilbert signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. He was initially released during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad, maintaining his connection to the organization.
Gilbert earned a promotion to the active roster in Week 13 of the 2022 season for the game against the Washington Commanders. He made his NFL debut as a starter at cornerback, appearing on 62 defensive snaps and recording seven tackles. The following week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gilbert recorded his first career sack, marking a significant milestone in his professional development.
He signed a reserve/future contract with the Giants on January 22, 2023, but was waived on August 29, 2023, ending his tenure with the organization.
Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
Gilbert joined the Green Bay Packers practice squad on October 25, 2023. He demonstrated enough promise during his time on the practice squad to earn a reserve/future contract on January 22, 2024. However, his time with the Packers ended when he was released on July 30, 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
Gilbert signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 14, 2024. He was waived less than two weeks later but was re-signed to the practice squad on August 29, 2024. After being released again on September 17, Gilbert returned to the Steelers a month later, though his tenure with the organization ended prior to the 2025 season.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2026)
Gilbert signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on April 21, 2026. This move represented a new chapter in his professional career as he sought opportunities outside the NFL. He was released by the Tiger-Cats on May 31, 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gilbert has demonstrated the athleticism and football intelligence necessary to compete at the professional level. His experience as a two-way player in high school and his rapid ascension to a starting role at Florida Atlantic highlight his versatility. His college statistics, particularly his 31 passes defended and five interceptions, showcase his ability to make plays on the ball. His 6-foot frame provides good size for the cornerback position, allowing him to match up against larger receivers while maintaining the speed necessary for deep coverage.
Notable Career Milestones
Gilbert’s most significant professional milestone came during his debut season with the New York Giants in 2022. His first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles represented a memorable start to his NFL career. Additionally, his status as the all-time leader in games played at Florida Atlantic with 57 appearances demonstrates his durability and consistent availability throughout his college career.
Zyon Gilbert Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Gilbert has appeared in regular season games with the New York Giants and other NFL franchises. His career statistics reflect his contributions as a rotational defensive player.
NFL Career Statistics
Gilbert has recorded 14 career tackles and 1 sack across his time with multiple NFL organizations. His single sack came during his rookie season with the New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles. These statistics represent limited playing time as a reserve and special teams contributor.
College Statistics (Florida Atlantic)
Gilbert concluded his Florida Atlantic career as the school’s all-time leader in games played with 57 appearances. He recorded 248 total tackles, 31 passes defended, and 5 interceptions over his four seasons with the program. His consistent production and durability made him a reliable presence in the Owls’ secondary.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (FAU) | 57 | 248 | 0 |
| NFL Career | Multiple Teams | 14 | 1 |
Zyon Gilbert Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
No information is available regarding Zyon Gilbert’s family background or racing lineage. Public records do not provide details about his parents or extended family connections to athletics.
Personal Life
Gilbert was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, where he attended Jefferson Davis High School. Beyond his athletic career, limited personal information is publicly available about his life off the field. He continues to pursue opportunities in professional football while maintaining connections to his Alabama roots.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Gilbert continues to seek a stable role in professional football. Following his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his brief stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League, he remains focused on demonstrating his abilities to NFL teams. His experience across multiple organizations provides him with valuable perspective on different defensive schemes and organizational cultures. Gilbert’s combination of college production, NFL experience, and natural athleticism positions him as a potential candidate for roster depth at the cornerback position. Teams continue to evaluate his skill set, particularly his ability to contribute on special teams and provide quality depth at the position.