Gerald Sensabaugh

Early years

Sensabaugh attended Dobyns-Bennett High School and was a standout in football and track. In football, he helped lead his team to two Class 5A Semifinals appearances and, as a senior, also played on offense, recording 42 receptions for 420 yards and seven touchdowns and was an All-Big Nine selection.

In track, he won the state champion in the long jump, with a leap of 7.25 meters. He was also the runner-up in the triple jump, with a leap of 14.05 meters.

College career

Sensabaugh originally attended East Tennessee State University but transferred to the University of North Carolina as a senior when ETSU disbanded its football program. He finished his one-year UNC career with four interceptions, five fumble recoveries and three touchdowns. He tied an NCAA single-game record after blocking three punts in one game. At the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine, Sensabaugh recorded a best ever in the vertical jump with a 46.0 (inches) vertical.

Professional career

Sensabaugh recorded a 46" vertical at the NFL Combine, the highest for any NFL player on record.

Jacksonville Jaguars

He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Sensabaugh played in all 16 games as a rookie, starting two. He was mostly a backup and special teams player. In 2008 he started 13 games, had 70 tackles, 4 interceptions and 8 passes defensed, all career highs.

He was arrested three times while a member of the Jaguars and wasn't re-signed after his rookie contract expired.

Dallas Cowboys

Based on the recommendation of assistant coach Dave Campo, on March 10 2009, the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a one-year contract to replace Roy Williams at strong safety. The next year, he recorded 5 interceptions (tied for the team lead) and 9 passes defensed (tied for third on the team).

In 2011, he finished with 60 tackles (second on the team), 2 interceptions and 4 passes defensed. Sensabaugh had signed one-year contracts until December 9, 2011 when he received a 5-year contract extension from the Cowboys after years of showing the versatility to play both safety positions and special teams.

In 2012, he registered 62 tackles (1 tackle for loss), 6 passes defensed, one forced fumble and it was the first year as a Cowboy that he didn't register an interception.

On March 4, 2013, Sensabaugh was released from the Cowboys in an effort to save cap space. On May 9, 2013, he signed a one-day deal in order to allow him to retire a Dallas Cowboy. He became a starter since being signed, missed only two games in his Cowboys career and dealt each season, with the uncertainty of who would start at the other safety position, having to play with different teammates that included: Ken Hamlin, Alan Ball, Abram Elam, Barry Church, Danny McCray and Eric Frampton.

Professional Bass Fishing

In 2014, Gerald started fishing the Bassmaster Open Series and is attempting to qualify for the Elite Series. He also joined Team Lei.

Personal life

Gerald's cousin, Coty Sensabaugh, played football collegiately at Clemson University and was drafted in the fourth round, with the 115th pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2012 NFL Draft.