When Sean Gilbert decided to leave the University of Pittsburgh following his junior season and declare for the 1992 NFL Draft, the defensive lineman thought he may be chosen in the fourth round.
He sold himself short.
After playing two seasons, Gilbert, All-Big East in 1990 and earning All-American honors in 1991, was selected by the Rams in the first round with the third overall pick.
"Coming from a really tough place and the struggles of life, I can tell you I didn't even know exactly what opportunities lie ahead for me just coming out of high school," Gilbert said. "But having a really good head coach and a mentor in Coach Don Yannessa, he was able to give some guidance and leadership. And that's what prompted me to have the opportunity to go to college. And then from there, it was just surreal. It was an amazing turn of events for my life."
Starting every game as a rookie, Gilbert adjusted to his life in the NFL with the help of his new veteran teammates.
"You had guys like Kevin Greene, Jackie Slater, Gerald Robinson, Robert Young, David Rocker," Gilbert said. "So in terms of trying to give some guidance and enlighten me in how the business works, those were probably some of the good mentors that I had saying, 'This is how the game works, how the business is run.'"
Business picked up in his second season. After posting five sacks the previous year, Gilbert recorded 10.5 in the 1993 season and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, in addition to being named All-NFC by UPI and Pro Football Weekly.
He felt the key to his success began during the offseason.
"Just having teammates around you and a coaching staff that supports your talent and knowing how to utilize that talent. I think I'd always been a hard worker and not so much a big talker. But just trying to get the outcome of the 'attaboy' and the 'great job,' Gilbert said.
"The hard work opened up doors of opportunities. Especially if you go back 20-some years ago where we didn't throw the ball as much as they do today. So trying to do play action was a tough deal when you tried to play the run and get stuck on the line and they kept everybody in. It was hard to break through and get where you can make plays.
"So you're grateful for those opportunities. You dream about them. And when they do manifest themselves, it's humbling. And at the same time, it was always surreal to make a successful play."
Calling his four seasons with the Rams "just a humbling and awesome experience and opportunity," Gilbert went on to play seven more seasons with Washington, Carolina, and Oakland, before retiring in 2004 having played in 146 games with 42.5 sacks and 475 combined tackles.
What makes him most proud of his career?
"That I was able to play so long, and I pay for it today," Gilbert said. "I've had 17 surgeries. My pain is 24 hours a day. There are some conditions that come with opportunities to play, but overall, to have an opportunity to play… I love the game.
"It was a way for me to channel my good faith aggression and just target my energy. It was really good in terms of competing at a high level. So the overall experience was amazing."
Gilbert is now well into the second amazing gridiron experience of his life – coaching. Shortly after his own playing days ended, his youngest son, Sean Jr., began his time on the field as a freshman at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC.
"A lot of guys that played pro ball, their kids, if they're not in a good program can kind of get caught in the wash. Especially in politics and preferential treatments and things like that," Gilbert said. "I wanted to make sure that my son was going to be held accountable, but given a fair opportunity to compete.
"So I volunteer coached for four years. Coach (Rocky) White allowed me to come in and help out with the defense. And then from there, I went across town to West Charlotte High School, where Mo Collins was coaching. He unfortunately passed away (soon after that), but I still went over there because I wanted to help.
"Like I said, channeling the good faith aggression, using football as a tool to help guys find purpose. Helping them understand what commitment is about, understanding what hard work entails, and the uncomfortable days of trying to get somewhere and make your dreams come true. Football is a great instrument in terms of helping you find purpose in your life."
Five years ago, Gilbert's life changed when "through opportunities, the right timing, having the right relationships and conversations," he went from being an assistant high school coach to becoming the Head Coach at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC.
"(Then-College President) Dr. (Jimmy) Jenkins saw me as a good fit for what he was trying to get done at the institution. That's turning the program around and putting us on a positive note, and getting us into a winning mindset. And we've done that," Gilbert said.
"When I first came, we were 1-9. Then we were 4-6 and 4-6. And this past year, we were 6-4. So we look to continue to keep growing the program. And as we stay here, we're getting it out of the mud. So we're excited about our upcoming season."
Having taken the same path that his players are on now, Gilbert understands what it takes to succeed. The hard work and the desire. And he's beside them every step of the way.
"You want to see a guy that comes in and finds his weaknesses and help him attack them and get better at it," Gilbert said. "And whatever that is, from his state of mind, to athleticism, whether he's stiff, he's agile, whatever's really affecting the young guy, and saying, 'This is what you're going to need to work on in order for you to be competitive.'
"I have a saying with my guys, and that's – Build Your Own Throne. Make your name where you are. Don't compare yourself to where other people are because the spotlight is shining there. You bring the light to where you are. It's about you making your name shine and be heard wherever you are, whether that's Division I, Division II, Power 5, NAIA, Division III, and so forth. Make your name known. Have a work ethic and a mindset.
"My high school coach said three things will create a competitive winner: unselfishness, loyalty and discipline. And our five D's here are: dedication, determination, desire, be dependable, that makes the difference. Those are the things we apply to what we do here daily. And every day, they wake up and they buy into what we're doing. So we're really grateful for the culture that we have cultivated here at Livingstone College."
Away from the game, Gilbert and his wife, Nicole, have four children: DeShaun, Sean Jr., A'Lexus, and A'Lea.
"I'm grateful. Every day for me is slow motion. I take my time. I'm grateful for the opportunities that God has given me, and I just kind of walk in balance," he said. "So I don't think more of myself than I should. I'm just walking and looking for other opportunities to come from the investment that I put into what I'm doing right now."
