William Gholston Bio
William Gholston is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and was selected by the Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Known for his impressive height and athleticism, Gholston has made significant contributions to his team throughout his career, culminating in a Super Bowl championship.
Early Life and Background
William Gholston was born on July 31, 1991, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Mumford High School in Detroit, where he gained recognition as a USA Today High School All-American in 2008. For his senior year, he transferred to Southeastern High School, where he recorded an impressive 115 tackles, including 44 tackles for loss, and forced 10 fumbles. Gholston was considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was rated as the third-best strong-side defensive end in the nation. He accepted a scholarship from Michigan State University, turning down offers from other prestigious programs such as the University of Michigan and Ohio State University.
Path to American Football
Gholston enrolled at Michigan State University, where he played for the Spartans from 2010 to 2012. As a freshman in 2010, he participated in the first ten games of the season before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his season. In 2011, he became a full-time starter, leading the Spartan defensive linemen with 70 tackles and finishing tied for seventh in the Big Ten Conference with 16 tackles for loss. His performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors. In 2012, Gholston continued to excel, leading the team in tackles for loss and sacks, solidifying his reputation as a formidable defensive player.
William Gholston Career
Early Career (2013-2016)
Gholston announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft on January 3, 2013. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round with the 126th overall pick. Gholston signed a four-year contract worth $2,560,544, which included a $400,544 signing bonus. In his rookie season, he played as a rotational player, finishing with 30 combined tackles and two sacks. In 2014, he became a starter at left end due to an injury to Adrian Clayborn but later lost the position and returned to a rotational role. He recorded 41 combined tackles and two sacks that season.
Breakthrough (2017-2024)
Gholston’s career took a significant turn when he signed a five-year contract extension with the Buccaneers on March 6, 2017. He played in all 16 games in 2015, starting 11, and amassed 67 tackles and three sacks. In 2020, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but returned to play a crucial role in the Buccaneers’ playoff run, which culminated in a victory at Super Bowl LV. Gholston continued to contribute to the team, re-signing with the Buccaneers in 2022 and again in 2023, showcasing his commitment and value to the franchise.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, William Gholston has achieved several notable milestones, including being a Super Bowl champion and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors twice. His defensive prowess has been evident in his career statistics, which include a total of 427 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 14 pass deflections as of Week 6 of the 2024 season.
William Gholston Award Nominations
William Gholston has received recognition for his performance on the field, including multiple nominations for All-Big Ten honors during his college career.
William Gholston Awards Won
Gholston’s achievements include being a Super Bowl champion and earning accolades such as the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Defensive MVP in 2012. His contributions to the game have solidified his status as a respected player in the NFL.
William Gholston Family
Information regarding William Gholston’s family is limited. However, he is known to be a cousin of former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Vernon Gholston.
Personal Life
In addition to his football career, Gholston has pursued training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he began just prior to the 2021 NFL season. This training has helped him prepare for the rigors of professional football. Gholston’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to personal development are evident in his training regimen and approach to the game.