Tashaun Gipson Bio
Tashaun James Gipson Sr., born on August 7, 1990, in San Bernardino, California, is an American professional football safety who has built a long career across multiple National Football League franchises. After playing college football at the University of Wyoming, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and went on to become a Pro Bowl selection in 2014. Throughout his career, Gipson has been recognized for his ball-hawking instincts, leadership in the secondary, and durability as a starter.
Over the years, Gipson has suited up for the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers, establishing himself as one of the more productive safeties of his draft class. Known for his tackling consistency and interception production, he has continued to contribute on defense and special teams into the second half of the 2020s.
Early Life and Background
Gipson was born in San Bernardino, California, and later raised in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Justin F. Kimball High School. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, competing in football, basketball, and track and field, which helped develop the speed and athleticism that would later define his professional career. As a senior at Kimball, he was named Most Valuable Player of the 4A District 14 Dallas City League and earned First Team All-District honors as both a cornerback and a returner.
During his senior season, Gipson made 35 tackles, broke up nine passes, and recovered two fumbles on defense, while racking up more than 1,400 all-purpose yards and scoring 14 touchdowns on offense and special teams. He played multiple positions throughout his high school career, including quarterback, wide receiver, free safety, and returner, showcasing the versatility that drew recruiting interest from programs such as Baylor, Louisville, Fresno State, and Idaho. Ultimately, Gipson chose to attend the University of Wyoming, in part to play alongside his brother Marcell.
Path to the NFL
At Wyoming, Tashaun Gipson played cornerback alongside his brother Marcell from 2008 to 2010 before transitioning to safety for the final eight games of his senior season in 2011. That senior campaign proved to be his most productive statistically, as he recorded 95 total tackles, half a sack, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. He started every game of his collegiate career and tied with his brother for the team lead in pass deflections with 10 each during one season, demonstrating his coverage skills.
Gipson earned Second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2011, recognition that boosted his professional prospects despite his status as an under-the-radar prospect. After going unselected in the 2012 NFL Draft, he signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, beginning what would become a lengthy professional journey.
Tashaun Gipson Career
Early Career (2012–2013)
Gipson made his professional regular-season debut on September 9, 2012, against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording his first career tackle in a narrow loss. He earned his first career start in Week 12 of his rookie season against the Pittsburgh Steelers and finished 2012 with 33 combined tackles and an interception in 10 games. The following offseason, the Browns parted with several veteran safeties, opening the door for Gipson to compete for a starting role.
In 2013, new head coach Rob Chudzinski named Gipson the starting free safety alongside T. J. Ward. Gipson responded with 95 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a pick-six across 16 games and 15 starts, establishing himself as one of the Browns’ most reliable defensive backs.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Gipson’s standout season came in 2014, when he was paired alongside Donte Whitner as the Browns’ starting safety duo. That year, he intercepted six passes and returned one for a touchdown, leading the league in interceptions before a knee injury ended his campaign in December 2014. Despite the injury, he was voted to the 2015 Pro Bowl alongside teammates Joe Haden and Joe Thomas, cementing his status as one of the top free safeties in the league. He was also ranked 67th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 by his peers.
Returning from injury in 2015, Gipson started 13 games and recorded 60 combined tackles and two interceptions before becoming an unrestricted free agent. His play during the Browns era demonstrated a unique blend of instincts, range, and tackling that made him one of the most coveted safeties on the open market.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2016–2018)
On March 9, 2016, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Gipson to a five-year, $36 million contract, naming him the starting free safety alongside strong safety Johnathan Cyprien. In his first season with the team, he played all 16 games and recorded an interception while adjusting to a new defensive scheme. The following year, paired with Barry Church, Gipson enjoyed one of his finest seasons, finishing 2017 with 64 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
That 2017 campaign ended with the Jaguars winning the AFC South and advancing all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Gipson started all three postseason games, including a memorable Wild Card victory over the Buffalo Bills and a Divisional Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished the 2018 season with 54 combined tackles before being released in March 2019 due to salary cap considerations.
Houston Texans (2019)
On March 12, 2019, the Houston Texans signed Gipson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract, with $11.25 million guaranteed. He opened the season as a starter and contributed 51 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a 79-yard pick-six off Matt Ryan during a Week 5 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. His season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 31, 2019, due to a back injury that forced him to miss both Texans playoff games. Gipson was released by the team on April 27, 2020.
Chicago Bears Era (2020–2021)
The Chicago Bears signed Gipson to a one-year contract on May 1, 2020, and he immediately became a starter in their secondary. During the 2020 season, he recorded 66 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery across 16 games, and added a strip sack on Taysom Hill during a Wild Card loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Bears rewarded his consistency with a one-year extension in April 2021.
In 2021, Gipson posted 47 combined tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and his first career NFL sack in 12 games. His veteran presence helped stabilize the Bears’ secondary during a transitional period for the franchise.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2022–Present)
On August 22, 2022, the San Francisco 49ers signed Gipson to a one-year contract, and after a brief release and practice squad stint, he was promoted to the active roster in mid-September. He responded with one of his best seasons in years, finishing 2022 with 61 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, half a sack, and a team-high five interceptions in 17 starts. The 49ers finished 13–4 atop the NFC West, and Gipson contributed in all three playoff games as San Francisco advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
After re-signing with the 49ers in March 2023, Gipson started 16 games and helped the team secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 12–5 record. In the postseason, he recorded a forced fumble in the NFC Championship comeback win against the Detroit Lions, advancing to Super Bowl LVIII, where the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 25–22 in overtime. Following a brief return to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, Gipson rejoined the 49ers practice squad in November 2024 and finished the season with six tackles in nine games.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gipson is widely respected for his high football IQ, reliable open-field tackling, and ball-hawking instincts in coverage. His versatility allows him to play effectively in single-high looks, two-deep shells, and in the box against the run. Throughout his career, he has been known for producing timely turnovers in critical moments, including postseason interceptions and game-clinching picks.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gipson’s most memorable career moments are his 2014 Pro Bowl selection, his first NFL touchdown on a 44-yard pick-six against the Chicago Bears, and his appearance in Super Bowl LVIII with the San Francisco 49ers. He has also produced multiple multi-interception games, including performances against the Jaguars, Steelers, and Cardinals, highlighting his ability to impact games at the highest level.
Tashaun Gipson Career Highlights
Across more than a decade in the NFL, Tashaun Gipson has built a reputation as a dependable playmaking safety with multiple standout seasons. From his emergence with the Cleveland Browns to his postseason heroics with the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers, his career has been defined by consistency and timely production.
Pro Bowl and Browns Highlights
Gipson recorded 14 interceptions during his time in Cleveland, including a career-high six in his 2014 Pro Bowl season. That year, he became the first Browns player in several seasons to lead the conference in interceptions before a knee injury cut his campaign short. His pick-six against the Bears that same year marked his first career NFL touchdown.
Other Performances
With Jacksonville, Gipson tallied at least one interception in each of his three full seasons and helped lead the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game in 2017. In Houston, he delivered a 79-yard pick-six off Matt Ryan, while in Chicago and San Francisco, he continued to provide veteran leadership and steady play in the secondary.
Tashaun Gipson Family
Family Background and Lineage
Tashaun Gipson’s older brother, Marcell Gipson, played cornerback alongside him at the University of Wyoming from 2008 to 2010, and the two brothers tied for the team lead in pass deflections with 10 each during one season. Their shared journey through college football strengthened Tashaun’s development as a player and helped shape his path to the NFL.
Personal Life
Gipson carries the suffix Sr. in his full name, suggesting he shares his name with a son, though details of his immediate family life remain largely private. Throughout his career, he has been known as a committed teammate and respected veteran presence in every locker room he has joined.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Tashaun Gipson remains a free agent after finishing the 2024 campaign with the San Francisco 49ers. At age 34, he brings more than a decade of NFL experience and a track record of producing turnovers in high-leverage situations. His familiarity with the 49ers’ defensive scheme under head coach Kyle Shanahan could position him as a valuable veteran addition for a contender seeking secondary depth.
Should Gipson land with a team in 2025, his role is likely to mirror recent seasons as a rotational safety and situational playmaker. His ability to contribute on special teams and mentor younger defensive backs would add value beyond his on-field production. Given his durability and consistent availability throughout his career, Gipson remains a reliable option for franchises looking to add proven experience to their secondary.