Tashaun Gipson

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. (born August 7, 1990) is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football at Wyoming and signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Gipson has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.

Early life
Born in San Bernardino, California and raised in Dallas, Texas, Gipson was a three-sport star at Kimball High School in Dallas, playing football and basketball while also running track. He had an outstanding career and especially an outstanding senior year on the gridiron as he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 4A District 14 Dallas City League and also earned First Team All-District honors both as a cornerback and as a returner. On defense, Gipson made 35 tackles, broke up nine passes and recovered two fumbles. On offense and special teams, he accumulated more than 1,400 all-purpose yards and scored 14 touchdowns while serving as an offensive team captain. During his career, Gipson played quarterback, wide receiver, free safety and also returned punts and kicks. He was recruited by Baylor, Louisville, Fresno State and Idaho.

College career
Gipson chose to attend the University of Wyoming not only for the chance at early playing time, but also in order to play with his brother Marcell. At Wyoming, both brothers played cornerback from 2008 to 2010 for the Wyoming Cowboys football team. Gipson's season year in 2011 proved to be his best statistically with 95 total tackles (73 solo 22 assist) with 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. During his senior season, Tashaun started the season by playing at the cornerback position, but for the final eight games of the season, he played at the safety position. Gipson had three interceptions as sophomore in 2009 and three as a junior in 2010. As a freshman, Tashaun did not have any interceptions. However, along with Marcell, the Gipson brothers both tied for the team lead in passes defensed with 10 each. Gipson started every game of his collegiate career at Wyoming.

2012 season
On April 29, 2012, the Cleveland Browns signed Gipson to a three-year, $1.44 million contract after he went unselected in the 2012 NFL draft.

Throughout training camp, Gipson competed for a job as a backup safety against Ray Ventrone, Usama Young, David Sims, and Emanuel Davis. Gipson was named the third free safety on the Browns' depth chart to start the regular season, behind veterans Eric Hagg and Ray Ventrone.

Gipson made his NFL regular-season debut during the season-opening 17–16 loss the Philadelphia Eagles and made his first NFL tackle on Brandon Boykin during a 29-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Two weeks later, Gipson had six combined tackles in a 24–14 loss against the Buffalo Bills. He earned increased playing time after Eric Hagg had an underwhelming performance in the first two games. In the next game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, Gipson had two solo tackles before leaving the eventual 23–16 road loss in the second quarter after sustaining a knee injury. His injury sidelined him for the next five games (Weeks 5–9).

During a Week 12 20–14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gipson earned his first career start in place of free safety Usama Young and recorded two tackles. In the next game against the Oakland Raiders, he made his second consecutive start and collected a season-high eight tackles during a 20–17 road victory. The following week against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gipson made two combined tackles, deflected a pass, and recorded his first career interception off a pass by quarterback Brady Quinn in the 30–7 victory.

Gipson finished his rookie season with 33 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in 10 games and three starts.

2013 season
Gipson entered training camp in 2013 slated as the starting free safety after Usama Young departed during free agency and Eric Hagg was released. Gipson saw minor competition for the role from Johnson Bademosi. Gipson was named the starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside strong safety T. J. Ward.

Gipson started in the season-opening 23–10 loss to the Miami Dolphins and recorded three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. In the next game against the Ravens, he had a team-high nine tackles (tied with Buster Skrine) during the 14–6 road loss.

During a Week 6 31–17 loss to the Detroit Lions, Gipson recorded seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. In the next game against the Green Bay Packers, he had nine tackles and a pass deflection during the 31–13 road loss. The following week against the Chiefs, Gipson collected a season-high nine solo tackles in the 23–17 road loss.

During a Week 15 38–31 loss to the Chicago Bears, Gipson recorded eight combined tackles, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and returned an interception off a pass by Jay Cutler for a 44-yard touchdown. The pick-six came in the second quarter and marked Gipson's first NFL touchdown. In the regular-season finale against the Steelers, he had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 20–7 road loss.

Gipson finished his second professional season with 95 tackles, 12 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a pick-six.

2014 season
Gipson entered training camp as the Browns' de facto starting free safety. Gipson and newly acquired free agent Donte Whitner were named the starting safeties to begin the regular season.

During a narrow Week 2 26–24 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Gipson collected eight tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by Drew Brees for a 62-yard touchdown. In the next game against the Ravens, Gipson had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the narrow 23–21 loss. Three weeks later against the Steelers, Gipson recorded a season-high nine combined tackles as the Browns won by a score of 31–10.

During a Week 7 24–6 road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gipson had four tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted Blake Bortles twice in a 24–6 road loss. In the next game against the Raiders, Gipson recorded two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 23–13 victory. The following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the 22–17 victory, marking his third consecutive game with an interception.

During a Week 10 24–3 road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, Gipson recorded three tackles, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. Two weeks later against Atlanta Falcons, he had three tackles, but left the eventual 26–24 road victory in the fourth quarter after colliding with teammate Joe Haden and sustaining a knee injury. On December 20, 2014, the Browns placed Gipson on injured reserve for the last two games after he missed the last three games after sustaining damage to his MCL and PCL. Gipson led the league in interceptions at the time of his injury, but would ultimately finish second. On December 23, 2014, it was announced that Gipson was voted to play in the 2015 Pro Bowl, alongside teammates Joe Haden and Joe Thomas.

Gipson finished the 2014 season with 52 tackles, eight pass deflections, a touchdown, a forced fumble, a pick-six, and a career-high six interceptions in 11 games and starts. On January 20, 2015, it was reported that he would have to miss the Pro Bowl due to his knee injury. Gipson was ranked 67th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 by his peers.

2015 season
On March 9, 2015, the Browns placed a second-round tender on Gipson and agreed to a one-year, $2.56 million contract. Head coach Mike Pettine retained Gipson and Donte Whitner as the starting safety duo entering the 2015 regular season.

Gipson started in the season-opening 31–10 road loss to the New York Jets and recorded five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. He missed three consecutive games (Weeks 5–7) after suffering an ankle injury. Gipson returned in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals and recorded a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 34–20 loss. During a Week 15 30–13 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he had a season-high nine tackles.

Gipson finished the 2015 season with 60 tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and starts. After the season, he became an unrestricted free agent and did not receive an offer to remain with the Browns.

2016 season
On March 10, 2016, the Jaguars signed Gipson to a five-year, $36 million contract that includes $12 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4 million.

Gipson was named the starting free safety alongside strong safety Johnathan Cyprien.

During a narrow Week 3 19–17 loss to the Ravens, Gipson recorded three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. During a Week 16 38–17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Gipson had two tackles and a pass deflection. In the regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, Gipson collected a season-high six tackles during the 24–20 road loss.

Gipson finished the 2016 season with the Jaguars with 41 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and starts.

2017 season
Gipson was named the starting free safety to begin the regular season opposite starting strong safety Barry Church.

Gipson started in the season-opening 29–7 road victory over the Houston Texans and recorded six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and returned an interception by Deshaun Watson for 67 yards in the fourth quarter. Three weeks later against the Jets, Gipson had a season-high seven tackles and a pass deflection in the 23–20 road loss. In the next game against the Steelers, Gipson recorded six tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted Ben Roethlisberger twice during the 30–9 road victory. The Jaguars recorded a total of five interceptions by Roethlisberger in the game.

During a Week 10 20–17 overtime victory over the Chargers, Gipson recorded five tackles and a fumble recovery. Three weeks later against the Colts, he had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in a 30–10 victory.

Gipson finished the 2017 season with 64 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and starts. The Jaguars finished atop the AFC South with a 10–6 record and clinched a playoff berth. On January 7, 2018, Gipson started in his first career playoff game and recorded five tackles in a 10–3 victory over the Bills during the Wild Card Round. In the Divisional Round against the Steelers, Gipson had a tackle as the Jaguars won on the road by a score of 45–42. During the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, he recorded a tackle in the 24–20 road loss.

2018 season
During a Week 5 30–14 road loss to the Chiefs, Gipson recorded two tackles, two pass deflections, and his first interception of the season. In the next game against the Dallas Cowboys, he had six tackles during the 40–7 road loss. Two weeks later against the Eagles in London, Gipson had a season-high seven tackles as the Jaguars lost by a score of 24–18.

Gipson finished the 2018 season with 54 combined tackles (44 solo), seven pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and starts.

On March 8, 2019, Gipson was released by the Jaguars due to salary cap issues.

Houston Texans
On March 12, 2019, Gipson signed a three-year, $22.55 million contract with the Texans.

Gipson made his Texans debut in the narrow season-opening 30–28 road loss to the Saints and recorded three tackles. During a Week 5 53–32 victory over the Falcons, Gipson recorded three tackles, a pass deflection, and a 79-yard pick six off of Matt Ryan. In the next game against the Chiefs, Gipson recorded five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 31–24 road victory. During a Week 14 38–24 loss to the Denver Broncos, Gipson recorded two tackles, two pass deflections, and his third interception of the season.

On December 31, 2019, Gipson was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, which caused him to miss both playoff games. Gipson finished the 2019 season with 51 combined tackles (34 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a pick-six in 14 games and starts.

On April 27, 2020, Gipson was released by the Texans.

2020 season
On May 1, 2020, Gipson signed a one-year deal with the Bears.

Gipson made his Bears debut during the season-opening 27–23 road victory over the Lions and recorded seven tackles. Two weeks later against the Falcons, he recorded his first interception of the year late in the fourth quarter off a pass thrown by Matt Ryan to secure a 30–26 comeback road victory. In the next game against the Colts, Gipson had nine tackles and a pass deflection as the Bears lost by a score of 19–11. Two weeks later against the Carolina Panthers, Gipson recorded six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 23–16 road victory. During a Week 16 41–17 road victory over his former team, the Jaguars, Gipson had a tackle and two pass deflections.

Gipson finished the 2020 season with 66 tackles, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and starts. In the Wild Card Round against the Saints, Gipson recorded eight tackles, a pass deflection, and a strip sack on Taysom Hill that was recovered by the Bears during the 21–9 road loss.

2021 season
On April 20, 2021, Gipson was re-signed by the Bears with a one-year deal.

During a Week 2 20–17 victory over the Bengals, Gipson had three tackles and a fumble recovery. Three weeks later against the Las Vegas Raiders, he recorded three tackles and his first NFL sack in the 20–10 road victory.

During a Week 11 16–13 loss to the Ravens, Gipson recorded four tackles and his first interception of the season. Three weeks later against the Packers, Gipson had a season-high eight tackles in the 45–30 road loss. During a Week 17 29–3 victory over the New York Giants, he recorded two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.

Gipson finished the 2021 season with 47 combined tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a sack in 12 games and starts.

2022 season
On August 22, 2022, Gipson signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 30, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. Gipson was promoted to the active roster on September 13.

During a Week 2 victory of 27–7 over the Seahawks, Gipson recorded a tackle, a pass deflection, and his first interception of the season. Three weeks later against the Panthers, Gipson had three tackles and 0.5 sacks in the 37–15 road victory.

During a Week 14 victory of 35–7 over the Buccaneers, Gipson recorded five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception off of Tom Brady. Three weeks later against the Raiders, Gipson had four tackles and an interception in overtime to help set up the game-winning field goal in the 37–34 road victory. In the regular-season finale against the Cardinals, he recorded two tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions as the 49ers won by a score of 38–13.

Gipson finished the 2022 season with 61 tackles, eight pass deflections, 0.5 sacks, and a team-high five interceptions in 17 games and starts. The 49ers finished atop the NFC West with a 13–4 record and clinched a playoff berth. In the Wild Card Round against the Seahawks, Gipson had three tackles during the 41–23 victory. In the Divisional Round against the Cowboys, he recorded two tackles as the 49ers won by a score of 19–12. During the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles, Gipson had two tackles in the 31–7 road loss.

2023 season
On March 12, 2023, Gipson signed a one-year contract extension with the 49ers.

In Week 5, during a 42–10 victory over the Cowboys, he intercepted a pass from Dak Prescott in San Francisco territory that he returned for 26 yards. In the 2023 season, he started in 16 games and finished with one sack, 60 total tackles (41 solo), one interception, and three passes defended. He was a starter in Super Bowl LVIII. The 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25–22 in overtime.

On July 2, 2024, while still a free agent, Gipson received a six game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancement substance policy.