Former Bengals and Steelers star Oliver Gibson dead at 53

Oliver Gibson, a former defensive tackle for the Bengals and Steelers, has died at the age of 53.

Gibson played nine seasons in the NFL after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 1995 draft. A cause of death has not been confirmed.

He spent four seasons with the Steelers before joining the Bengals. Gibson had played college football at Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish confirmed his death on Monday.

‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Oliver Gibson,’ Notre Dame wrote on social media. ‘We send our condolences to his family and friends.’

His former teammate Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson was among those to pay tribute to the defensive tackle.

‘R.I.P Oliver Gibson “OG”,’ he wrote alongside a picture of them both playing for the Bengals.

Gibson moved to Cincinnati in 1999 and became a regular starter. He did not miss a regular season game in four of his five seasons with the Bengals.

The Chicago native later spent time with the Bills and Buccaneers, ending his career with 243 tackles in 133 NFL games.

After hanging up his cleats, Gibson moved into the broadcasting booth and, back in 2011, he reflected on his NFL career.   

‘The one thing guys always miss is the locker room,’ he said. It went beyond that here from the equipment managers, to the staff, to the coaches, especially Coach (John) Mitchell and Coach (Dick) LeBeau,’ he told Steelers.com.

‘I miss the Pittsburgh organization, the people, the players and the staff – everyone was a great genuine person. That is what you miss. You feel like a family here.’

He said the Steelers were the only team he watched, adding: ‘I played for Cincinnati and Tampa after leaving, but it was never the same kind of magic. 

‘The way the city of Pittsburgh rallied around the team. That created a special atmosphere. It’s hard to say one effort. You get a sack in Pittsburgh they talk about you at the Giant Eagle the next week.’