Steelers Legend Jason Gildon Recalls Memorable First Career Sack
Jason Gildon's first of 77 career sacks as a Steeler was a memorable one, as it came against Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino
Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Gildon was one of four new inductees to the Steelers Hall of Honor on Saturday. Gildon will be honored alongside nose tackle Casey Hampton, running back Willie Parker, and legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau on Dec. 7 when the Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
Only three Steelers have more career sacks than Gildon’s 77 — T.J. Watt, James Harrison and Cam Heyward. Gildon was the Steelers’ all-time sack leader until James Harrison surpassed him in 2016. His 58 tackles for a loss and 18 forced fumbles also rank among the franchises best.
“Jason, who’s here (at Saint Vincent College) today, setting the sack record and really stepping in at the time where we really didn’t know what we were getting in Jason. For him to come in and set the sack record was great to see,” team president Art Rooney II said on Saturday following the Steelers’ Hall of Honor ceremony.
Gildon’s first of 77 career sacks as a Steeler was a memorable one, as it came against Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who’s also a Pittsburgh native and Pitt legend.
“It was against a hometown kid named Dan Marino. I can remember that. That was my first one and it was one of those things where I was subbing in. I was very excited and it happened to be third down. I’m thinking don’t mess up,” Gildon recalled of the sack on Marino, which occurred on Nov. 20, 1994 at Three Rivers Stadium.
“I went by and Richmond Webb was the tackle. That’s how memorable it was. I got down on the ground thinking that was my first one. I was happy with it and I was looking forward to more,” Gildon added.
Below is a clip of the play where Gildon sacked Marino, courtesy of Steel City Star. Gildon beat Richmond Webb inside with a swim move and brought Marino down for the sack. The Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins, 16-13, in overtime.
30 years ago today….
Steelers draft Jason Gildon (3rd round, 1994)
⬇️ Gildon’s first career sack was at Dan Marino’s expense and he beat an All-Pro left tackle to do it. pic.twitter.com/96jHFpVeJ8
— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) April 25, 2024
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Unity Twp.
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