Career
Gilbert was the catcher for a baseball team from Red Bluff, California, which played in the 1974 Little League World Series. That team lost the nationally televised championship game to a team from Taiwan. In college, Gale Gilbert played for the California Golden Bears.
He was the starting quarterback for the Golden Bears in the famous 1982 Big Game where The Play occurred, resulting in California winning with a series of laterals that scored a touchdown.
Seattle Seahawks
Gilbert was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1985, beginning his career as the third-string quarterback behind Dave Krieg and Jim Zorn. Gilbert became the backup to Krieg when Zorn was released on September 2, 1985.
He also became the holder, as Zorn"s release opened that job up as well. Gilbert made a 37-yard touchdown pass to Daryl Turner in the final seconds of a game against the Los Angeles Rams on September 23.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 29, Gilbert took over at quarterback for Krieg, who threw four interceptions.
Gilbert threw an additional interception to end the game. Gilbert finished the 1985 season having played in nine games, going 19-for-40 for 218 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He played for the Seahawks from 1985 to 1987.
Buffalo Bills
Gilbert played for the Buffalo Bills from 1989 to 1993 where he backed up Jim Kelly.
In his seasons with Buffalo, Gilbert only played in two games, amassing a total of 15 pass attempts. San Diego Chargers
Gilbert played for the San Diego Chargers from 1994 to 1995 where he backed up Stan Humphries.
In San Diego, Gilbert saw increased playing time, appearing in 31 games over the course of the two seasons and starting one game each season. In these two seasons, Gilbert attempted 128 passes.
Gilbert"s career would end Sunday, December 31, 1995, during San Diego"s 35-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the wild card round of the playoffs.
Gilbert did not appear in his final game on an NFL roster. All five teams lost.