Tashaun Gipson

Tashaun James Gipson Sr. (born August 7, 1990) is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).

At Wyoming, both brothers played cornerback from 2008 to 2010 for the Wyoming Cowboys football team.

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.

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.

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 and Chicago Bears.

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.

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.

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.

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.