Calling his four seasons with the Rams "just a humbling and awesome experience and opportunity," Gilbert went on to play seven more seasons with Washington, Carolina, and Oakland, before retiring in 2004 having played in 146 games with 42.5 sacks and 475 combined tackles.
What makes him most proud of his career?
"That I was able to play so long, and I pay for it today," Gilbert said. "I've had 17 surgeries. My pain is 24 hours a day. There are some conditions that come with opportunities to play, but overall, to have an opportunity to play… I love the game.
"It was a way for me to channel my good faith aggression and just target my energy. It was really good in terms of competing at a high level. So the overall experience was amazing."
Gilbert is now well into the second amazing gridiron experience of his life – coaching. Shortly after his own playing days ended, his youngest son, Sean Jr., began his time on the field as a freshman at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC.
"A lot of guys that played pro ball, their kids, if they're not in a good program can kind of get caught in the wash. Especially in politics and preferential treatments and things like that," Gilbert said. "I wanted to make sure that my son was going to be held accountable, but given a fair opportunity to compete.
"So I volunteer coached for four years. Coach (Rocky) White allowed me to come in and help out with the defense. And then from there, I went across town to West Charlotte High School, where Mo Collins was coaching. He unfortunately passed away (soon after that), but I still went over there because I wanted to help.
"Like I said, channeling the good faith aggression, using football as a tool to help guys find purpose. Helping them understand what commitment is about, understanding what hard work entails, and the uncomfortable days of trying to get somewhere and make your dreams come true. Football is a great instrument in terms of helping you find purpose in your life."
Five years ago, Gilbert's life changed when "through opportunities, the right timing, having the right relationships and conversations," he went from being an assistant high school coach to becoming the Head Coach at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC.
"(Then-College President) Dr. (Jimmy) Jenkins saw me as a good fit for what he was trying to get done at the institution. That's turning the program around and putting us on a positive note, and getting us into a winning mindset. And we've done that," Gilbert said.
"When I first came, we were 1-9. Then we were 4-6 and 4-6. And this past year, we were 6-4. So we look to continue to keep growing the program. And as we stay here, we're getting it out of the mud. So we're excited about our upcoming season."
Having taken the same path that his players are on now, Gilbert understands what it takes to succeed. The hard work and the desire. And he's beside them every step of the way.
"You want to see a guy that comes in and finds his weaknesses and help him attack them and get better at it," Gilbert said. "And whatever that is, from his state of mind, to athleticism, whether he's stiff, he's agile, whatever's really affecting the young guy, and saying, 'This is what you're going to need to work on in order for you to be competitive.'
"I have a saying with my guys, and that's – Build Your Own Throne. Make your name where you are. Don't compare yourself to where other people are because the spotlight is shining there. You bring the light to where you are. It's about you making your name shine and be heard wherever you are, whether that's Division I, Division II, Power 5, NAIA, Division III, and so forth. Make your name known. Have a work ethic and a mindset.
"My high school coach said three things will create a competitive winner: unselfishness, loyalty and discipline. And our five D's here are: dedication, determination, desire, be dependable, that makes the difference. Those are the things we apply to what we do here daily. And every day, they wake up and they buy into what we're doing. So we're really grateful for the culture that we have cultivated here at Livingstone College."
Away from the game, Gilbert and his wife, Nicole, have four children: DeShaun, Sean Jr., A'Lexus, and A'Lea.
"I'm grateful. Every day for me is slow motion. I take my time. I'm grateful for the opportunities that God has given me, and I just kind of walk in balance," he said. "So I don't think more of myself than I should. I'm just walking and looking for other opportunities to come from the investment that I put into what I'm doing right now."