Claude "Hoot" Gibson
| No. 25 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Cornerback | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth: | May 26, 1939 | ||
| Place of birth: | Spruce Pine, North Carolina | ||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Lee H. Edwards High School | ||
| College: | NC State | ||
| NFL Draft: | 1961 / Round: 3 / Pick: 33 | ||
| AFL draft: | 1961 / Round: 7 / Pick: 55 | ||
| Career history | |||
| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
| Player stats at NFL.com |
| Sport(s) | Football |
|---|---|
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1967 | NC State (DB) |
| 1968 | Boston Patriots (DB) |
| 1969 | Buffalo Bills (assistant) |
| 1970–1972 | Tulsa |
| 1973–1982 | Mars Hill |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 66–53–2 |
Claude "Hoot" Gibson (born May 26, 1939) is a former American football player and coach. A defensive back and kick returner, he played college football at North Carolina State University, and professionally in the American Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders.
Gibson attended Lee H. Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina.
Gibson was an instant star on the NC State Wolfpack freshman team, as a defensive back, receiver, return man and halfback. For the next three seasons, Gibson rarely came out of a ballgame. He led the Pack in punt returns in 1958 and 1960, kickoff returns in 1959 and interceptions in 1960 with four. He provided crucial rushing and receiving yards whenever needed. He played his entire senior season with a broken hand and wrist. Gibson concluded his senior year by playing in four post-season all-star games — Senior Bowl, Copper Bowl, Coaches All-America Bowl and the Chicago All-Star Game. Gibson, and teammate Roman Gabriel, with four appearances each, played in more postseason all-star games than any Wolfpack player ever.
It was Gibson's versatility, speed and daring that made him a valuable pro commodity. He was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, but elected instead to sign with the American Football League's San Diego Chargers. Gibson played two years for pro football hall of fame coach Sid Gillman at San Diego, leading the league in interceptions in 1962. During Gibson's rookie season, the Chargers lost to the Houston Oilers, 10–3, in the AFL Championship game. Soon after the championship, Earle Edwards encouraged Gibson to return to NC State to finish his degree work, and help coach spring ball. He received an education degree from State in 1961.
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