| rdfs:comment | - Gibson was an instant star on the NC State Wolfpack freshman team, as a defensive back, receiver, return man and halfback. For the next three seasons, Gibson rarely came out of a ballgame. He led the Pack in punt returns in 1958 and 1960, kickoff returns in 1959 and interceptions in 1960 with four. He provided crucial rushing and receiving yards whenever needed. He played his entire senior season with a broken hand and wrist. Gibson concluded his senior year by playing in four post-season all-star games — Senior Bowl, Copper Bowl, Coaches All-America Bowl and the Chicago All-Star Game. Gibson, and teammate Roman Gabriel, with four appearances each, played in more postseason all-star games than any Wolfpack player ever.
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| abstract | - Gibson was an instant star on the NC State Wolfpack freshman team, as a defensive back, receiver, return man and halfback. For the next three seasons, Gibson rarely came out of a ballgame. He led the Pack in punt returns in 1958 and 1960, kickoff returns in 1959 and interceptions in 1960 with four. He provided crucial rushing and receiving yards whenever needed. He played his entire senior season with a broken hand and wrist. Gibson concluded his senior year by playing in four post-season all-star games — Senior Bowl, Copper Bowl, Coaches All-America Bowl and the Chicago All-Star Game. Gibson, and teammate Roman Gabriel, with four appearances each, played in more postseason all-star games than any Wolfpack player ever. It was Gibson's versatility, speed and daring that made him a valuable pro commodity. He was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, but elected instead to sign with the American Football League's San Diego Chargers. Gibson played two years for pro football hall of fame coach Sid Gillman at San Diego, leading the league in interceptions in 1962. During Gibson's rookie season, the Chargers lost to the Houston Oilers, 10–3, in the AFL Championship game. Soon after the championship, Earle Edwards encouraged Gibson to return to NC State to finish his degree work, and help coach spring ball. He received an education degree from State in 1961. Gibson’s first year in the pro ranks he picked up a nickname. His Charger teammates gave him the nickname "Hoot." "During my pro career I never saw my name in the paper as Claude," said Gibson. "It was 'Hoot' everywhere I went, and still is today." Following the 1962 season, Gibson was traded to the AFL's Oakland Raiders, where his head coach was Al Davis. In both 1963 and 1964, Gibson led the AFL in punt returns. In fact, he owns the third best punt return average of all professional football players with 75 or more punt returns. Gibson returned 110 punts for 1,381 yards during his career for a 12.1 average. He scored three punt return touchdowns and had a long return of 85 yards. Gibson's pro career lasted five years, when he abruptly retired at age 32. For the next two years he served as a scout and recruiter in the Raiders' organization.
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