William Gay

William Gay was built for speed. At James S. Rickards High School in Tallahassee, Florida, he showcased his athleticism by playing quarterback, wide receiver, and safety for the Raiders—each role allowing him to capitalize on his quickness. A standout on the track as well, he was timed at a blazing 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His dynamic playmaking ability earned him a scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he emerged as an important contributor to the Cardinals’ defense.

A key defensive back for the University of Louisville, Gay quickly made a name for himself as a playmaker with sharp instincts and a relentless motor. Gay played in 46 games for the Cardinals, starting 26, while amassing 134 tackles, 25 pass breakups, seven interceptions, one sack and was named first-team All-Big East in 2006. His collegiate success caught the attention of the NFL, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Gay wasted no time adapting to the professional level, becoming known for his dependable coverage, physical play, and ability to make clutch defensive stops. Over his career, he played 176 consecutive games making him one of the most reliable cornerbacks of his era. His standout season came in 2014, when he led the league in interception return touchdowns, including a memorable pick-six that showcased his big-play ability.

Throughout his 11-year NFL career, Gay spent the majority of his time with the Steelers, briefly playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 before returning to Pittsburgh. His efforts helped the Steelers maintain one of the top defenses in the league, and he was an important contributor to the team’s victory in Super Bowl XLIII, securing a championship ring.

Off the field, William Gay has become just as impactful. Deeply affected by the loss of his mother to domestic violence, he became an outspoken advocate and educator on the issue. His tireless advocacy has earned him national recognition and multiple nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, highlighting his commitment to community and personal resilience.

Following his retirement from professional football, Gay remained involved in the game, returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 as a coaching intern, where he mentored young defensive backs and brought leadership to the next generation of players. He later joined the Missouri State University football staff under head coach Bobby Petrino, furthering his role as a developer of talent at the college level. Gay has also participated in NFL Broadcast Boot Camps and other league-sponsored leadership programs, positioning himself as a potential future coach, executive, or media personality.

William Gay is currently the Assistant Defensive Backs Coach with the Washington Commandeers.

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Headshot courtesy of Washington Commandeers.
Biography by Grace Frericks.