Ernest Givins is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Houston Oilers and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on September 3, 1964, in Griffin, Georgia, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played college football.
Givins was selected by the Houston Oilers in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the team's most reliable receivers. He played for the Oilers for nine seasons, from 1986 to 1994, and was a three-time Pro Bowler during that time. He was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make difficult catches.
During his time with the Oilers, Givins was part of one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. He played alongside quarterback Warren Moon and fellow receivers Haywood Jeffires and Drew Hill, forming a formidable passing attack that helped the Oilers reach the playoffs in seven of Givins' nine seasons with the team.
Givins' best season with the Oilers came in 1992, when he caught 82 passes for 1,132 yards and six touchdowns. He also had a memorable performance in the 1992 playoffs, catching nine passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Buffalo Bills.
After the 1994 season, Givins was released by the Oilers and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were an expansion team at the time. He played for the Jaguars for two seasons, from 1995 to 1996, but his production declined as he struggled with injuries.
Givins retired from the NFL after the 1996 season, finishing his career with 571 receptions for 8,215 yards and 49 touchdowns. He ranks second on the Oilers/Tennessee Titans' all-time list in receptions and receiving yards, behind only Hall of Famer Charley Hennigan.
Since retiring from football, Givins has remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has worked with young athletes in his hometown of Griffin, Georgia, and has also served as a coach at the high school and college levels.
Overall, Ernest Givins was a talented and productive receiver during his NFL career, known for his speed, agility, and ability to make difficult catches. He was a key part of one of the most explosive offenses in the league during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and his contributions helped the Houston Oilers become one of the most successful teams of that era.
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