Vernon Gholston facts for kids

Vernon Gholston was born on June 5, 1986. He is a former American football player. He played as a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Vernon played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The New York Jets picked him sixth overall in the 2008 NFL draft. He also played for the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams.

Vernon Gholston's Early Life

Vernon Gholston grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He went to Cass Technical High School. In his final year, he was a top player. He made 75 tackles as a linebacker. He also had six sacks, which means he tackled the opposing team's quarterback. He was even chosen as an All-State player as an offensive guard.

College Football Career

Vernon Gholston went to Ohio State University. In 2005, he had to take a "redshirt" year. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. He broke his left hand early in the season. He was recruited as a linebacker but played as a defensive end.

Playing for Ohio State

In 2006, Vernon played in 13 games. He earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors. This means he was one of the best players in his college conference. He made 49 tackles that year. He also had 7.5 quarterback sacks, which was second-best on his team. He even caught his first interception in a game against Bowling Green.

In 2007, Vernon had an amazing season. He set a school record with 14 sacks in 13 games. This broke the old record of 13 sacks set by Mike Vrabel. He had four sacks in one game against Wisconsin. Two weeks later, he had three sacks against the Michigan Wolverines. This helped Ohio State win their fourth game in a row against Michigan. He was named an All-America player. He was also First-team All-Big Ten.

During his time at Ohio State, Vernon started 25 games. He made 87 tackles in total. He also had 22.5 sacks, which is the sixth-highest in Ohio State history.

College Statistics

College Awards and Honors

Vernon Gholston received several awards for his college performance:

• National Awards
  • 2007 College Football All-America Team (from Pro Football Weekly)
• Conference Awards
  • 2007 Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year
  • 2007 All-Big Ten Conference First-team
  • 2006 All-Big Ten Conference Second-team

Professional Football Career

Getting Ready for the NFL

Vernon Gholston decided to enter the 2008 NFL draft. Experts thought he would be one of the top 10 players picked. At the NFL Combine, which is a tryout for college players, he showed his strength. He tied for the highest score in the bench press. He lifted 225 pounds 37 times! He was invited to the NFL Draft in New York.

Playing for the New York Jets

The New York Jets chose Vernon Gholston as the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Jets hoped he would be a great pass rusher. They liked his speed, strength, and long arms. On July 24, 2008, Vernon signed a 5-year contract with the Jets.

In his first year, Vernon didn't play much as a starter. He mostly played on special teams. He made 13 tackles. In his second year (2009), he had 17 tackles. After the 2009 season, he changed his position. He moved from outside linebacker back to defensive end. The Jets released Vernon on March 2, 2011, after three seasons.

Time with Other Teams

After leaving the Jets, Vernon Gholston signed with the Chicago Bears on July 29, 2011. However, the Bears released him on August 29, 2011.

The St. Louis Rams then signed Vernon on August 22, 2012. But the Rams also released him on August 31, 2012.

NFL Statistics

Family Connections

Vernon Gholston has a younger cousin named William Gholston. William is also a defensive end. He plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.