Antonio Goss facts for kids

Antonio Derrell Goss (born August 11, 1966) is an American college football coach and a former player. He is currently the special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach for Carson–Newman University. He has held these coaching roles since 2018.

Goss played professional football as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers picked him in the 1989 NFL draft. He won two Super Bowl championships with the 49ers. He was even a captain in Super Bowl XXIX, alongside famous players like Jerry Rice and Tim McDonald.

Early Life and High School Success

Antonio Goss grew up in Randleman, North Carolina. He was a fantastic athlete in high school. He played football, basketball, track, and baseball. His amazing skills in football earned him All-American honors in his senior year.

Goss was a very important player for Randleman High School's football team. He helped them win the 2A state championship three times in a row, from 1981 to 1983. He was chosen as the captain of his football team in his senior year. In 2013, he was honored by being added to the Randleman High School Sports Hall of Fame.

College and Professional Playing Career

After high school, Antonio Goss played college football for the University of North Carolina. He then joined the NFL after being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. He played as a linebacker, a position where players help stop the other team from scoring.

Goss played for the San Francisco 49ers and the San Diego Chargers. He later returned to the 49ers and finished his playing career with the St. Louis Rams. His time with the 49ers was very successful, as he helped them win two Super Bowls.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Antonio Goss became a football coach. He has coached at many different levels, from high school to college. He often specializes in coaching "special teams" and defensive players like linebackers and cornerbacks.

Special teams are the groups of players who handle kickoffs, punts, and field goals. Defensive backs, like cornerbacks, are players who try to stop the other team's passes. Goss has coached at several universities, including Buffalo, Middle Tennessee, and Louisville. Since 2018, he has been coaching at Carson–Newman University.