Zyon Gilbert Bio
Zyon Gilbert (born February 4, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Florida Atlantic Owls and entered the National Football League after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Gilbert signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent and has since spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers, along with a brief stint in the Canadian Football League with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He is listed at 6 feet 0 inches and 193 pounds, and he is recognized for his coverage skills, tackling, and special-teams contribution at the cornerback position.
Early Life and Background
Zyon Gilbert was born on February 4, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in the same city that would later shape his football identity, and he attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he developed into a versatile two-way player. At a season-ending banquet, he was named the school’s best defensive back, best two-way player, and received the program’s “speed award.” He earned twice all-state honors during his high school career, establishing himself as one of Alabama’s most respected defensive backs before his senior year ended.
Coming out of Jefferson Davis, Gilbert was rated as a three-star recruit by major scouting services. He committed to Florida Atlantic, choosing the Conference USA program over other suitors because of its defensive scheme and the opportunity to play early. The decision to relocate from Montgomery to Boca Raton, Florida, marked his first significant step toward a professional career, and his high school accolades foreshadowed a college trajectory built on consistency, discipline, and football intelligence.
Path to American Football
Gilbert’s path to professional American football began immediately upon his arrival at Florida Atlantic. He became the starter as a true freshman in 2017, recording 52 total tackles across 14 games and signaling that the Owls had found a long-term fixture in their secondary. He remained a starter in 2018, posting 51 tackles in 12 matches while refining his coverage technique and run-support responsibilities.
As a sophomore-sophomore campaign in 2019, Gilbert recorded 48 tackles, 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, earning honorable mention all-conference recognition. In 2020, he added 46 tackles, one interception, and six passes defended, securing a second consecutive honorable mention nod. After being granted an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilbert returned for a fifth season in 2021, finishing with 51 tackles, two interceptions, and 12 passes defended. He exited Florida Atlantic as the school’s all-time leader in games played with 57 appearances and tallied 248 tackles, 31 passes defended, and five interceptions across his college career.
Zyon Gilbert Career
Early Career (2017–2021, Florida Atlantic)
Zyon Gilbert’s early career unfolded entirely at Florida Atlantic, where he grew from a true freshman starter into the program’s most durable defender. Across five seasons, he started consistently and accumulated 248 tackles, five interceptions, and 31 passes defended. His three honorable mention all-conference selections underscored his reliability as a cornerback, while his 57 games played set the all-time standard at the school.
Gilbert’s development arc in college was defined by steady production rather than breakout seasons. He contributed on special teams and defense from his first semester, and his combination of size, speed, and tackling form made him a candidate for professional opportunities despite not being heavily recruited out of high school.
New York Giants Era (2022–2023)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Gilbert signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. He was released at final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad, keeping his NFL dream alive through the early weeks of the season. Gilbert was elevated to the active roster for the Giants’ Week 13 game against the Washington Commanders, where he started at cornerback in his NFL debut, played 62 snaps, and recorded seven tackles.
The following week, Gilbert posted his first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles, cementing his reputation as a physical, willing tackler on the perimeter. On January 22, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Giants, only to be waived on August 29, 2023, during roster cuts. Across his time on New York’s active roster, Gilbert compiled 14 total tackles and one sack, numbers that reflected his limited but productive opportunities.
Green Bay Packers Era (2023–2024)
Gilbert was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad on October 25, 2023, providing a fresh start in the NFC North. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 22, 2024, indicating the Packers’ interest in evaluating him during the offseason program and training camp. The deal positioned Gilbert to compete for a roster spot in Green Bay’s secondary, where his Florida Atlantic tape and Giants experience offered intriguing depth.
On July 30, 2024, Gilbert was released by the Packers, closing a brief but meaningful chapter in his professional journey. Although he did not appear in regular-season games for Green Bay, his practice-squad contributions and offseason participation reinforced his standing as a serviceable NFL cornerback candidate.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024)
On August 14, 2024, Gilbert signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining a defensive backfield known for its physicality and zone coverage principles. He was waived on August 27, 2024, but quickly re-signed to the practice squad on August 29, reflecting the Steelers’ desire to retain his skill set within their organization. Gilbert was released on September 17 before being re-signed approximately a month later.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gilbert’s signature NFL moment came in his debut with the Giants, where his seven tackles and starting role signaled his readiness for professional competition. His first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles the following week remains a defining early highlight. At Florida Atlantic, his 57 games played set the all-time school record, and his five career interceptions placed him among the most productive defensive backs in program history.
Zyon Gilbert Family
Personal Life
Zyon Gilbert is a United States national born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. Public details about his immediate family, marital status, and children are not clearly documented in available sources. He has built his professional career across multiple NFL cities, including East Rutherford, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh, while maintaining his roots in Alabama.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Gilbert’s professional standing remained in transition after his 2024 practice-squad moves with the Steelers. His NFL résumé featured 14 total tackles and one sack from his 2022 debut season with the Giants, numbers he hoped to expand with a fresh opportunity. The 2025 calendar offered Gilbert a chance to compete for an active-roster role, leveraging his special-teams value and cornerback experience.
Gilbert’s continued movement between practice squads and active rosters underscored his persistence and adaptability in a highly competitive league. His next professional chapter was later confirmed when he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on April 21, 2026, before being released on May 31, 2026, adding an international dimension to his career path following the 2025 calendar.
Across his professional journey, Gilbert has been praised for his tackling form, coverage awareness, and willingness to contribute on special teams. As the 2025 season approached, his focus remained on securing a stable roster spot and continuing to build on the foundation established during his NFL debut with the Giants.