Jason Gildon is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He was born on July 29, 1972, in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Oklahoma State University, where he played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Gildon was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, playing for the team from 1994 to 2003. He was known for his pass-rushing abilities and was one of the most productive linebackers in the league during his prime.
In his rookie season, Gildon played in all 16 games for the Steelers, recording 3.5 sacks and 2 interceptions. He quickly established himself as a key player on the team's defense and went on to have a successful career with the Steelers.
Gildon's best season came in 2000 when he recorded a career-high 13 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He followed that up with another strong season in 2001, recording 12 sacks and earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
Over the course of his career, Gildon played in 157 games for the Steelers, recording 77 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions. He ranks second on the team's all-time sack list, behind only James Harrison.
Gildon was released by the Steelers in 2004 and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he played in just 6 games for the team before being released. He retired from the NFL after the 2004 season.
Since retiring from football, Gildon has worked as a football analyst for various media outlets, including ESPN and the NFL Network. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Jason Gildon Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students.
Overall, Jason Gildon had a successful NFL career, playing for one team for his entire career and establishing himself as one of the best pass-rushing linebackers of his era. He was a key player on the Steelers' defense for many years and was recognized for his contributions with two Pro Bowl selections.
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