Former Steelers CB Finishes as USFL Interceptions Leader

Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mark Gilbert finished as the USFL leader in interceptions while playing for the Pittsburgh Maulers this spring.

Gilbert, 26, had four interceptions to lead the Maulers and the entire USFL over the 10-game spring regular season. Five players, including fellow Maulers defensive back and Pittsburgh-area native Tre Tarpley, finished with three interceptions.

The Maulers led the USFL with 13 interceptions and also had the best pass defense in the league. The Maulers allowed a league-best 1,884 receiving yards, the lowest completion percentage at 57.5%, the second-best yards per attempt at 6.32 and the best touchdown to interception ratio at 10:13.

Built for this 🔥⚒ pic.twitter.com/nwT5l9bU4a

— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) June 20, 2023

Gilbert, 26, is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, but has Pittsburgh-area roots. His uncle is former Pitt and Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Sean Gilbert and his cousin is Pitt and New York Jets Hall of Fame cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback has had two stints with the Steelers since matriculating from Duke in 2021. He joined Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and was cut after training camp, but was added to the Steelers’ practice squad.

On Oct. 12, the Detroit Lions signed Gilbert off the Pittsburgh practice squad. He played eight games for the Lions that season, including a 16-16 tie at Heinz Field on Nov. 14. He finished with three tackles, one pass defended and one fumble.

In 2022, the Lions cut Gilbert at the end of training camp and he did not catch on with their practice squad. The Steelers added him back to their practice squad on Oct. 1, and he finished the season there without appearing in a game.

Gilbert signed with the Maulers on March 25. He played in all 10 games for the Maulers this spring, recording 29 tackles in addition to his four interceptions.

The Maulers finished 4-6, winning a three-way tie for first place in the USFL North Division. The will face the Michigan Panthers in the North Division playoff at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, June 24. That game will kick off at 8 p.m. at be broadcast on NBC.

The USFL Championship will be held in Canton on July 1.