Career
He played college football at Clemson. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. At Clemson, Gilchrist played with four of his defensive teammates who were selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.
According to the Tigers’ coaches though, it was Marcus’ football intelligence quotient that made him stand out, along with an impressive showing at the NFL combine where he posted a 38-inch vertical leap and put up 26 bench-press repetitions at 225 pounds, second-most among all defensive backs.
San Diego Chargers
= 2011 Season Gilchrist was taken with the 50th overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Not surprisingly, that day’s opponent, the Miami Dolphins, went right after the rookie corner, but Gilchrist intercepted the first pass thrown in his direction and his defense helped the Chargers to a victory.
= 2012 Season In 2012, Gilchrist played in all 16 games last season and he made four starts. His 76 tackles were third-most among the secondary and fifth-most on the team
He also collected his first sack and broke up five passes.
Gilchrist on May 14, 2013 was moved to the strong safety position by Chargers Staff for the 2013 season. = 2013 Season In week 15, against the Denver Broncos Gilchrist was moved back to the nickel back position due to injuries in the Chargers secondary. = 2014 Season Gilchrist again started all 16 games recording 76 tackles, 1 sack, 5 pass defections, 1 interception, and 2 force fumbles.
His one interception was the game sealing interception at the goal line against the Saint Louis Rams.
New York Jets
After finishing his four year rookie contract with the San Diego Chargers Gilchrist signed with the New York Jets on March 12, 2015.