INDIANAPOLIS – Texas CB Jaylon Guilbeau was a dominant presence on the field for a Longhorns team that has produced plenty of NFL talent in the secondary. Although Guilbeau has historically played nickel, he stayed at Texas last season to play outside cornerback. In fact, 490 of his snaps came on the outside in 2025. When Guilbeau isn’t making plays on the field, he can be found off the field spending time with his daughter or riding a horse.
“I’m a cowboy,” Guilbeau told reporters during a press conference at the NFL Combine, where he spoke glowingly of his horse and his favorite leisure activity, riding horses. Guilbeau said he grew up riding quarter horses, but now rides gaited horses.
It was an interesting answer. Most players explain how they unwind with video games or spending time with friends or family. Guilbeau excitedly talked about horse riding and different places he’s been able to ride.
While his teammates at Texas expressed interest in riding with him, Guilbeau said he doesn’t want to put them in a bad spot if they’ve never ridden a horse before.
A participant in the East-West Shrine Bowl, Guilbeau met with the Steelers during his time in Frisco. Guilbeau mentioned a recent Steelers draft pick, Ryan Watts, as a player who helped him during his time at Texas.
“Ryan Watts is a great guy, a dominant player…following them type of guys like that, it’ll get you a long way in the league,” Guilbeau said. He also praised Denver Broncos 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron.
On the field, Guilbeau said teams have been intrigued by his versatility.
“I’m smart. I can play nickel, I can play corner. They asked me what was the reason on me coming back for this last year to play corner. I tell them the truth, and I tell them why I did it. So I’d say that’s why teams love my play style.”
Guilbeau had a daughter born July 16, right before the season. He had to take on parental responsibilities in addition to his work on the field. But it’s not something he would ever change, and he proudly wore a necklace with his daughter’s picture on it as he talked to the media.
“Being a dad is real great. It was kind of hard, the first couple of weeks, staying up late nights, it was rough. Her mother, she was in the hospital, so I was up all the time with my daughter. So it was rough trying to get to know, what do I need to do? How do I do this? And we had help too. So I would say it’s lovely, man. It changed my life.”
Guilbeau said he models his game after Detroit Lions CB Amik Robertson and Houston Texans DB Jalen Pitre. Specifically, he likes the way that Robertson attacks the ball. While Guilbeau has just one collegiate interception, he has 10 passes defensed. He also said that NFL teams primarily view him as a nickel, which isn’t surprising for his smaller (5107/186-pound) frame.
Guilbeau delivered a message for what he believes sets him apart in this draft class.
“I’m fast, physical, and I compete. I’m not gonna give up on no plays. So I’d say that’s my speciality. I’m gonna compete like hell, whether it’s win, lose or draw. I’m gonna get back up and line up again. I would say that’s just in my blood.”
While it might be harder for Guilbeau to find a spot to ride his horse in Pittsburgh, he could certainly be a fit for the team as a nickel option. He brings the right attitude on and off the field. But wherever he winds up, he’ll have an oversized companion to bring along.
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