At a Glance

Hometown: San Francisco, California (born February 20, 1961) College: Gill attended college at San Jose State University where he had a tremendous career as a Spartan student-athlete. In 1982, Gill graduated with a degree in Finance. NFL Experience: Gill was the twenty-second pick in the first round of the 1983 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. He compiled a stand out ten year NFL career, exclusively with the team that drafted him. Gill’s intensity and speed propelled him into one of the NFL’s premier players. He led all NFL cornerbacks in interceptions for three consecutive seasons (1989-1991). Even more impressive, he led the entire NFL in interceptions for five consecutive seasons (1987-1992). In 1993, Byrd retired as the all time leader in interceptions (42) and interception return yards (546) for the San Diego franchise, records which he still holds as of the end of the 2011 season. Gill returned to the NFL in the Green Bay front office in 1999. As the Packers Executive Director of Player Programs and Community Affairs for three seasons, Byrd was responsible for directing the “Family Assistance Program” for Packer players. He played a role as a mentor, guiding and informing players how to further their education interests. Gill focused on making education available for players who wanted to learn financial budgeting and accounting strategies. He also sought career internship opportunities for the players needing direction for life after football.In 2003, Gill was offered his first coaching opportunity with the St. Louis Rams under defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. His work ethic, leadership, and knowledge of the game earned him more responsibilities in each of his three seasons with the Rams defensive secondary. Gill made such an impression on Lovie Smith that the new head coach for the Chicago Bears offered Gill to join him again in Chicago on February 20, 2006. It wasn’t long until he was promoted from defensive quality control coach to assistant defensive backs coach.

Bio

Family Bio: When you talk to Gill Byrd about his most important moments in life, he speaks not about athletics but about being a dad.As a loving father to his two sons, Gill Jr. and Jarius, Gill relishes the thought of being a positive influence. "First and foremost," says Gill, "I'm a role model to my children before anybody else." Gill gives credits Sherman Smith (NFL running backs coach) for helping him understand what it means to be a role model and believes a loving relationship with his wife (Marilyn) is the best thing he can do for his children.Gill also had an excellent role model in his own father. "I always knew my father had our best interests at heart, and he would do anything he needed to do to secure a good future for his family," Gill said. In addition to his other jobs, Gill's father was an amateur boxer. It was from his father that Gill learned the discipline, courage, and fighting spirit necessary to be a standout NFL player and a standout dad.Gill would need that fighting spirit to hold onto hope as his first son, Gill II, was born three months premature. "He weighed 2 pounds," said Gill. "He was so small I could fit him in the palm of my hand. So, during this time, my wife and I got closer to each other and closer to God. We read the Bible, and we learned to trust God in all trials. Today Gill II is a healthy teenager."The same intensity that brought Gill to the forefront in the NFL is the same intensity that helped Gill cope with the trials of being a dad. And Gill met and surpassed the challenges in both - as an All Pro player and an All Pro Dad.Gill and Marilyn’s oldest son, Gill II, attended Pulaski High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was a three year letterman as a defensive back at New Mexico State. Gill II made an immediate impact for the Aggies as a freshman, blocking a field goal attempt in his first game to help seal a win over Western New Mexico. He remained an impact as a student-athlete throughout his college career, graduating after the 2006 season with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management.Jairus is the youngest son of Gill and Marilyn Byrd. He was a Clayton High School Greyhound in Clayton, Missouri. Jairus earned the Missouri 4A offensive player of the year and led the Greyhounds to the 2004 state championship. Jairus played quarterback and wide receiver on offense, punted and returned kicks on special teams. He couldn’t be held off the field, and also earned first-team all-state as a defensive safety. Jairus enrolled at The University of Oregon in 2005 and majored in Political Science. As a redshirt freshman, he was afforded Pac-10 Conference Co-Freshman Player-of-the-Year and second-team freshman All-America honors. Before foregoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft, he was awarded defensive MVP in the Holiday Bowl, selected first team Pac-10, and tied second all time in interceptions as an Oregon Duck. Jairus was picked in the 2nd round, 42nd overall, in the 2009 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. As a rookie Byrd tied the NFL-lead in interceptions, affording him a spot on the 2009 All-Rookie Team and 2010 Pro Bowl roster. He was the first Buffalo Bill defensive back awarded a trip to the Pro Bowl. Career Bio: PLAYER: San Diego Chargers (1983-1993)FRONT OFFICE: Green Bay Packers (Executive Director of Player Programs and Community Affairs, 1999-2001)COACH: St. Louis Rams (2003-2005), Chicago Bears (2006-Present) Career Highlights: • #45 NFL Cornerback of All Time (The Bleacher Report)• Bart Starr Man of the Year Award• 50 Greatest Chargers of All Time• San Diego Chargers All Time Interception Leader• Inducted into San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame (1998)• Pro Bowl Selection (1992)• Pro Bowl Selection (1991)• ALL-NFL Honors (Football Digest, 1990)• ALL-NFL Honors (Sporting News, 1989)

Foundations: “The Heart of a Lion”- FounderThe Heart of a Lion’s purpose is to educate our nation’s youth. Through mass media channels, Gill Byrd’s foundation introduces Christian principles in an entertaining fashion that inspires teens to be leaders.

A Few Players Influenced by Gill Byrd:

Chris Harris (Chicago Bears), Major Wright (Chicago Bears), Danieal Manning (Chicago Bears), Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears), Tim Jennings (Chicago Bears), Kevin Payne (Chicago Bears), Zackary Bowman (Chicago Bears), Al Afalava (Chicago Bears), Craig Steltz (Chicago Bears), Aeneas Williams (St. Louis Rams),

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