Alohi Gilman

Asai Alohilaniokala “Alohi” Gilman, professionally known as Alohi Gilman, was born on 17th September 1997 and is well known in the National Football League (NFL) as a formidable safety for the Los Angeles Chargers. Born into a sport-loving family, he was catapulted onto the national stage with an impressive record in college football and has since made a significant impact in the NFL. His younger brother, Alaka’i Gilman, following in his footsteps, plays safety for the University of Utah.

Alohi began his impressive football career playing for the United States Naval Academy, where he completed his freshman year. His commitment to sport was evident in his record of playing all fourteen of the Midshipmen’s games, during which he amassed an outstanding performance. His relentless pursuit of excellence on the field led to an honorable mention for the All-American Athletic Conference. He nailed his place on the leaderboard finishing second on the team with a record of 76 tackles. Aside from this, he exhibited superior defensive strategy, observing five passes defended and successfully executing two fumble recoveries.

Gilman’s football journey further continued as he transferred camps after his freshman year to Notre Dame. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) transfer rules required him to take a sabbatical from the field during his sophomore year; however, his real strength shone through in his junior year. He not only started in 13 games that season but also concluded with a whopping 95 tackles. His defensive strategy saw him execute three tackles for loss and force three fumbles. Additionally, he recorded two interceptions and broke up five passes, further solidifying his status as a rising star.

During his senior year, he was elected as a team captain given his knack for the sport and his leadership skills. Despite the responsibilities, his performance did not falter. He recorded 74 tackles, along with three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two passes broken, one fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. Towards the end of the season, he decided to forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility to declare for the highly anticipated 2020 NFL draft.

Gilman’s next big break came when he was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the 186th pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite being a rookie, he played predominantly on special teams, demonstrating his versatile skill set and dedication to the game. His quick learning and adaptability on the pitch led to his further contribution in the next two seasons as a third safety. His exceptional performance didn’t go unnoticed, leading to him being named the starting free safety for the 2023 season. He started 14 games that season, recording 73 tackles, forcing three fumbles, and intercepting two passes.

On the 13th of March, 2024, in recognition of his exceptional performance and significant contribution to the team, the Los Angeles Chargers proposed a two-year contract extension to Gilman, which he accepted. His career trajectory, noted for his passion and dedication, continues to be an inspiration for many young hopefuls aspirant in their football journey.