Sean Gilbert is entering into his second year as Head Football Coach at Livingstone College.
During his first year as head coach of the Blue Bears, Gilbert began rebuilding the tradition and legacy of Livingstone College Football. The defensive unit shined in the inaugural game against Clark AU despite a heart wrenching 13-10 loss. The resilient team would go on to accomplish many milestones under Gilbert’s first year including a historic victory for the homecoming game against St. Augustine. Coach Gilbert and his staff look to build upon his inaugural season with a new and improved coaching staff and mentality.
Gilbert was drafted as the third overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1992 NFL Draft. Sean’s unique work ethic and intensity on the field would secure a Pro-Bowl selection his rookie year and continue throughout his eleven-year NFL career, which spanned to other organizations such as the Washington Redskins, where he was again voted to the Pro-Bowl, serving as an alternate. He went on to play for the Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders prior to retirement in 2003 following injury. Gilbert’s NFL career solidified his legacy not solely as a stellar player, dependable teammate, and accomplished athlete, but also as a well-rounded and forward-thinking visionary, a man of honor and conviction, and a person of integrity beyond football as
Among his accolades, Gilbert has been inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame (2009); the WPIAL High School Hall of Fame (2013); served as a coaching intern for the New York Jets training camp; assistant football coach at South Mecklenburg High School and West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, NC for eight years; and served as an advisor/consultant to NFL cornerback Darrelle Revis. Sean is a published author of “The $29 Million ‘Tip:’ How Roger Goodell Earned His Big Pay Day.” His No. 71 football jersey has been retired at Aliquippa High School; and the City of Aliquippa presented him with a flag and proclamation upon his retirement from football in 2003.
Gilbert graduated from Aliquippa High School in Aliquippa, Pa., in 1989 and has become one of the great stories of the small Pittsburgh suburb, emerging to take the world by storm through his athleticism, artistry, coaching, motivational speaking, mentorship, and philanthropy. By the time of Sean’s adolescence, Aliquippa had become a haven for drugs, crime, and poverty, all the while retaining its community-wide love and appreciation for organized sports and athletic competition. Coach Gilbert commenced his successful pre-collegiate career by excelling in sports at Aliquippa High School as a star-defensive tackle for the Aliquippa Quips. During his senior year, Sean was named “Prep Defensive Player of the Year” by USA Today, “All-American” by Parade Magazine and Gatorade Player of the Year, all while leading his team to victory in the Western Pennsylvania AAA Championship. Sean was quickly noticed and recruited by the University of Pittsburgh. As a defensive lineman at Pitt, Gilbert earned All-American honors in 1991 ending his collegiate career against Penn State with 16 tackles and 1-1/2 sacks. He would go on to become an All-American nominee prior to his NFL Draft.
Sean Gilbert is recognized for his philanthropy and mentorship, providing resources to various community initiatives and outreaches across America and abroad. Through the NERIH Family Foundation Sean has provided athletic and academic enrichment, jobs and skills development and educational initiatives in his hometown of Aliquippa as well as in Charlotte, NC where he settled post-NFL. Growing up with an appreciation for all things sports and arts related - he would not only find success as an athlete but in other areas of sports and the fine arts, including theater, voice, music production, songwriting, and arranging. He is the owner of Obediah Music, a Charlotte-based record label and music production company. He has released several albums featuring his soulful vocal agility, captivating songwriting, and cutting-edge production. His record label has also developed and managed the careers of several other musical acts.
Sean Gilbert is a professional athlete, coach, mentor, philanthropist, and artist
A natural born inspirational leader and a very moving motivational speaker, Sean has touched audiences as far as Africa, inspiring many to lifelong change by challenging them to push their limits and faith to achieve greatness. His mentorship has changed the lives and trajectories of many youth - some of whom are now successful athletes, musicians, and business leaders.
Above all and most important to Sean are his four children, DeShaun, A’Lexus, Zaccheaus and A’Lea all of whom are now adults making their own waves in the world, and grandson, Gabriel who he adores.
