Montreal’s Myles Gibbon wants to continue making more football memories while moving back to his home nation.
The star pivot, who recently graduated from the University of South Alabama with his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, wants to return home to play football while attending school.
“I decided to comeback due mainly to the fact that I graduated and I wanted a full year under my belt without sharing any time or sitting out, alongside just being close to family and friends,” explains Gibbon of the decision. “To see me, they needed to drive 30 hours or fly across countries.”
“I am very excited and pumped to be back and able to play for the country I grew up in.”
Since South Alabama is a non-classified NCAA program, Gibbon only used two years of eligibility.
As for where he will play in Canada, that remains to be decided; however, the pivot would like to make a decision as soon as possible.
“I’m very open at the moment to what team I’ll be playing for and it really depends on situation and opportunity,” says Gibbon of his future plans. “What team needs a quarterback to step in and help them win games and I’m also just looking for a comfortable place that can offer me a good year!”
“I plan on making the decision as soon as possible as I’d love to meet the players and beginning meshing with them and coming in late means I have a lot of catching up to do.”
Since the age of seven, the 6’2, 208 pound quarterback has experienced a lot of success on the gridiron. He began his playing career with the Chromeday Blues, a peewee team which his father was the coach. During his time there, Gibbon won a peewee championship and a mosquito provincial championship with the team. Moreover, he was team MVP for his efforts on the field.
“We were young but it was still amazing,” adds the pivot of the experience.
As he moved over to West Island, Gibbon suited up for the bantam North Shore Mustangs. Again, he played on the same team his father was involved with (his father was a receivers’ coach). In his first season with the Mustangs, the team was undefeated en route to winning a provincial championship. Gibbon also played his midget career with the Mustangs and won a provincial championship in his first season at this level.
In his college career with the Vanier College Cheetahs, Gibbon found tremendous success on the field. In 2008, the standout played an integral role in the success of the team winning the Bol D’Or Championship. For his exceptional play that season, Gibbon was CEGEP league MVP, championship game MVP, team MVP and selected as an all-star. Furthermore, he holds the record for most touchdown passes in a season as in eight games, he registered 25 passes.
After his career finished with the Cheetahs in 2009, the quarterback moved on to play for the South Alabama Jaguars of the NCAA. That season, he started is six of seven games for the team and his stats were impressive: led the team offense with 632 yards, 29 completions on 51 attempts, 538 passing yards, six touchdown passes and also rushed for 94 yards and two scores.
The next year (2010), Gibbon played seven games with the Jaguars. He accumulated 235 passing yards and two scores while he rushed for 68 yards and one major. In 2011, he has 105 rushing yards, 82 passing yards and one touchdown. Overall, his career totals with the Jaguars was 865 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 267 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns. He played a key role in 12 touchdown scores for the Jaguars.
“At South Alabama, I was a starter my first two years, going undefeated and was sidelined after I tore my PCL in the second game,” adds the Jaguars quarterback. “From there, I shared times with other quarterbacks.”
Even though he has enjoyed a lot of moments in football, Gibbon says there are two moments that have highlighted his illustrious career.
“I’d have to say all my younger years being coached by my father and just enjoying the game and learning,” recalls the standout. “That, alongside signing my letter of intent and receiving my full scholarship to South Alabama.”
No doubt the main cheerleaders on the sidelines during the quarterback’s storied career have been his parents. Ultimately, they’ve been a key source of support, motivation and encouragement.
“My parents have definitely influenced me immensely between the time my dad spent coaching and teaching to the fact that my mother has filmed every game I played in since I was a kid, excluding South Alabama, of course,” comments Gibbon. “They’ve always been there for me.”
On the field, Gibbon tries to emulate former NFL quarterback great Brett Favre.
“I’ve been a Brett Favre fan ever since I saw my first game on TV,” adds the star player. “He played for Green Bayand was playing the Bears (my dad’s favorite team) and I just had to root for the opponent.”
Away from football, there is one thing about the pivot you may be surprised to hear about.
“I’m just a very shy person,” says Gibbon. “Even for interviews like this, I am somewhat hesitant!”
As for academic plans, Gibbon hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in communications to go along with the psychology degree he’s recently received south of the border.
Whether it is academic or life pursuits, the quarterback says he’s been able to achieve all his goals based on everything he’s learned from the game.
“Responsibility for sure; being at every practice, managing time, giving your all to your teammates, determination and the drive to succeed,” explains Gibbon. “When you play the game seriously and want to gain the most from it, you learn to become focused and connected to your surroundings.”
“It helped me excel in school and make sure I had good grades in order to get into schools and stay active on the roster.”
While he is preparing for the next phase of his academic and football life in Canada, the star pivot has been reflecting on his time at South Alabama. Overall, it has been a positive experience.
“My opinion of the program at South Alabama is that it was an amazing experience in my life,” says Gibbon. “I have no regrets and nothing but respect for the growing program there.”
“The coaches were great and the fans were some of the best people I have ever known.They will be successful I’m sure and I wish them the best.”
As the chapter at South Alabama closes, Gibbon has now set his sights on deciding where the next chapter will unfold. Moreover, he is ready to contribute to whichever team he will end up playing on in the future.
“I am just ready to take the skills and techniques I learned in the South and apply them to my game up here,” comments Gibbon. “Overall, I’m just ready to get going and figure out where I am going.”
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