View source for Goose Gonsoulin

{{Short description|American football player (1938–2014)}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox gridiron football biography
| name          = Goose Gonsoulin
| caption       = Gonsoulin on a 1964 [[Topps]] football card
| number        = 23, 35
| position      = [[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1938|6|7}}
| birth_place   = [[Port Arthur, Texas]], U.S.
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2014|9|8|1938|6|7}}
| death_place   = [[Beaumont, Texas]], U.S.
| height_ft     = 6
| height_in     = 3
| weight_lb     = 210
| high_school   = [[Thomas Jefferson High School (Port Arthur, Texas)|Thomas Jefferson]] <br> (Port Arthur, Texas)
| college       = [[Baylor Bears football|Baylor]]
| draftyear     = 1960
| draftround    = 17
| draftpick     = 203
| afldraftyear  = 1960
| pastteams     = 
* [[Denver Broncos]] ([[1960 American Football League season|1960]]–[[1966 American Football League season|1966]])
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|1967}})
| highlights    = 
* 5× [[All-AFL]] (1960–1964)
* 5× [[American Football League All-Star game|AFL All-Star]] (1961–1964, 1966)
* [[American Football League All-Time Team|AFL All-Time second-team]]
* [[Denver Broncos Ring of Fame]]
;AFL record
* Most passes intercepted in a single game: 4 (tied)
| statleague    = NFL/AFL
| statlabel1    = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue1    = 46 
| statlabel2    = [[Touchdown]]s
| statvalue2    = 2
| statlabel3    = [[Quarterback sack|Sack]]s
| statvalue3    = 1.0
| pfr           = G/GonsAu00
}}

'''Austin William''' "'''Goose'''" '''Gonsoulin''' (June 7, 1938 – September 8, 2014) was an American professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] in the [[American Football League]] (AFL) for the [[Denver Broncos]] and in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for the [[San Francisco 49ers]]. He had the first interception in AFL history, and was named to five of the AFL's first six All-Star Teams. 

== Early life ==
Gonsoulin was born on June 7, 1938, in [[Port Arthur, Texas]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Goose Gonsoulin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GonsAu00.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was contemporaneously referenced as having played football at Port Arthur High School, where he was a star running back and punt returner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Agness |first=Jack |date=October 2, 1954 |title=Port Arthur Runs Over Regan, 45–6 |work=The Houston Post |pages=Sec. 2, p. 4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1955 |title=Port Arthur Beast Galena |work=The Houston Chronicle |pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1955 |title=Broncs, Port Arthur In 7–7 Deadlock |work=The Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) |pages=7}}</ref> He was also a star on the [[Track and field|track]] team.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Gonsoulin Goose |url=https://profootballresearchers.com/biography/Gonsoulin_Goose.pdf |access-date=20 September 2025 |website=profootballresearchers.org}}</ref> In 1955, the 195 lb. (88.5 kg) Gonsoulin was chosen first-team All-District at halfback.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Odem |first=Boo |date=November 27, 1955 |title=Molina Unanimous Choice Of Coaches |work=The Houston Chronicle |pages=Sec. 8, p. 6}}</ref> He was also named second-team Texas AAAA All-State in football as a senior.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Jack |date=January 6, 1956 |title=Caudle, Gregory, Green Make 1st Team All-State |work=Abilene Reporter-News |pages=6}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> 

Gonsoulin is also reported as having attended [[Thomas Jefferson High School (Port Arthur, Texas)|Thomas Jefferson High School]] in Port Arthur.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> At the time he attended high school, there was [[school segregation]] in Port Arthur; with white students attending Thomas Jefferson High School and black students attending [[Abraham Lincoln High School (Port Arthur, Texas)|Abraham Lincoln High School]].<ref>Mitchell, Carol T. Taylor. "The Role of Race and Culture in the Science Classroom" (Chapter 14). In: Conyers, James L. (editor). ''Black Cultures and Race Relations''. [[Rowman & Littlefield]], 2002. {{ISBN|0830415742}}, 9780830415748. Start: p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=l_dukyNja_YC&pg=PA223 223]. CITED: p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=l_dukyNja_YC&pg=PA223 223]-[https://books.google.com/books?id=l_dukyNja_YC&pg=PA224 224].</ref> Hall of Fame football coach [[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|Jimmy Johnson]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coach Jimmy Johnson {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/jimmy-johnson-coach |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref> and [[rock and roll]] singer [[Janis Joplin]] attended Jefferson a few years after Gonsoulin graduated.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 7, 1992 |title=Deep Into His Job, Jimmy Johnson Dived Headfirst Into Coaching the Cowboys, And He Won't Come Up For Air Until He Wins A Super Bowl |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1992/09/07/deep-into-his-job-jimmy-johnson-dived-headfirst-into-coaching-the-cowboys-and-he-wont-come-up-for-air-until-he-wins-a-super-bowl |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>

== College career ==
Gonsoulin played [[college football]] for the [[Baylor Bears football|Baylor Bears]] where he was a receiver, halfback and a defensive back. He captained the freshman team as a [[two-way player]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 19, 1957 |title=Explosive Austin Gonsoulin May Be Baylor's New 'Shofner' |work=The Houston Post |pages=Sec. 4, p. 3}}</ref> As a sophomore, on offense, Gonsoulin rushed 16 times for 50 yards, and had six receptions for 117 yards (19.5 yards per catch).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Austin Gonsoulin College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/austin-gonsoulin-1.html |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On offense in his junior year (1958), he was used as a receiver.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1959 |title=Spring Drills at Baylor Opens Building Program |work=The Monitor (McAllen, Texas) |pages=10}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In a late November 1958 game against the [[1958 Rice Owls football team|Rice Owls]], Gonsoulin caught a 71-yard touchdown pass, a three-yard touchdown pass and intercepted a pass.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sawyer |first=Whitney |date=November 30, 1958 |title=Rice Owls Rip Baylor With Wild 33–21 Win |work=The Selma Times-Journal (Selma, Alabama) |pages=9}}</ref> He had 16 receptions for 280 yards as a junior.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1958 Baylor Bears Roster |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/baylor/1958-roster.html |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Gonsoulin played safety on defense, and was known for his coverage and tackling abilities.<ref name=":4" /> 

In 1959, as a senior, his teammates selected the laconic and even-keeled Gonsoulin as their team captain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Al |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Sports Stops |work=The Waco Times-Herald |pages=12}}</ref> He was both a rusher and receiver in his final season at Baylor. He had 72 rushing yards in 27 carries, and 18 receptions for 235 yards and two touchdowns.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=1959 Baylor Bears Roster |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/baylor/1959-roster.html |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shults |first=Dan |date=September 12, 1959 |title=Baylor Matches Its Color--Green |work=The Houston Chronicle |pages=8}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> He was in the [[Southwest Conference]]'s top five in receiving yards in both 1958 and 1959.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1958 Southwest Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/swc/1958-leaders.html |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1959 Southwest Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/swc/1959-leaders.html |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Among his Baylor teammates that year was future NFL running back [[Ronnie Bull (American football)|Ronnie Bull]], who was the team's leading rusher in 1959.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ronnie Bull Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BullRo00.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> 

A Baylor coach, [[Hayden Fry]], gave Gonsoulin the nickname “Goose” during his senior season, and the name stuck for the rest of his life.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Jackson |date=2014-09-11 |title=An Appreciation: Austin Gonsoulin {{!}} The Game Before the Money |url=https://www.thegamebeforethemoney.com/goose/ |access-date=2025-09-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In December 1959, he played in the second annual [[Rate Bowl|Copper Bowl]] college all-star game. Gonsoulin had an interception and fumble recovery on defense in the game, and was named the Southwest all-stars outstanding back for the game.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=December 27, 1959 |title=Nationals Win 21–6 In Copper Bowl Tilt |work=Atlantic City Press |pages=25, 29 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

== Professional career ==
The [[New York Giants]] prematurely drafted Gonsoulin in the 17th round of the [[1959 NFL draft]], while he was still a junior in college, and he remained in school. He was selected in the 17th round of the [[1960 NFL draft]] by the [[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] and drafted by the [[1960 Dallas Texans season|Dallas Texans]] in the [[1960 American Football League draft|1960 American Football League (AFL) draft]], and would play in the AFL. Shortly before the league’s inaugural season he was traded to the [[1960 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] for fullback [[Jack Spikes|Jake Spikes]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1959 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1959/draft.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1960/draft.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 AFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1960_AFL/draft.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Ben |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Broncos Legends: The story of Austin 'Goose' Gonsoulin's pioneering Broncos career |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-legends-the-story-of-austin-goose-gonsoulin-s-pioneering-broncos-career |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=www.denverbroncos.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He played on the Broncos from 1960 to 1966, for a team that never had a winning season; though Gonsoulin himself was selected to play in the five of the first six AFL All-Star Games.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Gonsoulin's first season with the Denver Broncos was also the first year of the [[American Football League]]'s (AFL) existence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 AFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1960_AFL/index.htm |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=General History - Chronology (1960 to 1979) {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/general-history-chronology-1960-to-1979 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref> He started 14 games at free safety.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1960.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> During the AFL's inaugural week, Gonsoulin intercepted two passes against the [[1960 Boston Patriots season|Boston Patriots]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Boston Patriots - September 9th, 1960 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196009090nwe.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> His first interception was also the first interception in AFL history.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=December 22, 2012 |title=The Goose Is Recovering |work=The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction, Colorado) |pages=3B |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In the second game of the 1960 season against the [[1960 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], on September 18, 1960, Gonsoulin intercepted four passes, still tied for the AFL/NFL record of most interceptions in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - September 18th, 1960 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196009180buf.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Interceptions Single Game Leaders (since 1940) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_single_game.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was selected as defensive player of the week.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=September 20, 1960 |title=Bronc Safety Man Is Top Defender |work=Corpus Christi Times |pages=5–B |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> 

The following week against the [[1960 New York Titans season|New York Titans]] (later the New York Jets), he intercepted his seventh pass of the 1960 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New York Titans - September 23rd, 1960 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196009230nyj.htm |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall in [[1960 All-AFL Team|1960]], Gonsoulin had 11 interceptions, which remains a Broncos' team record.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Single Season Defensive Leaders {{!}} The Football Database |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/denver-broncos/leaders/season-defense-interceptions |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=FootballDB.com |language=en}}</ref> He led the AFL in interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 AFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1960_AFL/defense.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was named first-team All-AFL by the AFL and the [[Associated Press]] (AP), and second-team All-AFL by [[United Press International]] (UPI).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 AFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1960_AFL/allpro.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1961, Gonsoulin again started all 14 games for the Broncos at free safety. He had six interceptions (tied for 8th best in the AFL), and was selected to play in the AFL's first All-Star Game on January 7, 1962.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1961 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1961.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1961 Season AFL All-Star Game |url=http://www.remembertheafl.com/1961SeasonAFLAllStarGame.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=www.remembertheafl.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1961 AFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/defense.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In [[1962 American Football League season|1962]], Gonsoulin started 13 of the 14 games in which he played, with seven interceptions (tied for 7th best in the AFL).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1962 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1962.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1962 AFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1962_AFL/defense.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In a Friday night game on October 5, 1962, Gonsoulin returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown against the [[1962 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=October 6, 1962 |title=Gene Mingo Runs Wild for Denver |work=The Spokesman Review (Spokane, Washington) |pages=10 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was selected to play in the 1962 All-Star Game, and was again named first-team All-AFL by the AFL and AP, and second-team All-AFL by UPI.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1962 AFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1962_AFL/allpro.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

He started 14 games in [[1963 American Football League season|1963]], with six interceptions (tied for 6th best in the AFL). In an early October game against the San Diego Chargers he returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1963 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1963.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=October 7, 1963 |title=Chiefs Triumph; Denver Surges |work=The Pensacola Journal (Pensacola, Florida) |pages=4B |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1963 AFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/defense.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was again selected an All-Star,<ref name=":0" /> and was named first team All-AFL by the AFL, and second-team All-AFL by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] (NEA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1963 AFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/allpro.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In [[1964 American Football League season|1964]], he started 11 of 14 games in which he played, with seven interceptions (tied for 6th best in the AFL), and was once again named an All-Star.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1964 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1964.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1964 AFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/defense.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In an October 11, 1964 game against the [[1964 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], he had three interceptions against future Hall of Fame quarterback [[Len Dawson]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=October 11, 1964 - Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos Box Score and Game Statistics |url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/nflboxscores1/1964afl018.html |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=www.profootballarchives.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Len Dawson {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/len-dawson |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref> The UPI named him second-team All-AFL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1964 AFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/allpro.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

He started 10 of the 14 games in which he played in 1965, with six interceptions. He was not selected as an AFL All-Star for the only time in his AFL career, during which the game existed.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> In [[1966 American Football League season|1966]], he missed time with a knee injury, starting and playing in only ten games, with no interceptions. However, the fans still selected him to play in the AFL All-Star Game for his good play in other aspects of defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1966 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1966.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" />

He learned the Broncos cut him before the 1967 season began, via an anonymous telephone call. The reality  was confirmed for him when he was listening to the radio in his car after getting the disturbing telephone call.<ref name=":7" /> Gonsoulin had been released as part of new head coach [[Lou Saban]]'s decision to use younger players on the Broncos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heeren |first=Dave |date=August 28, 1987 |title=A Cooked Goose: Just Another Dolphin Ache |work=Fort Lauderdale News |pages=5B}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lou Saban Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SabaLo0.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Gonsoulin thought his treatment unfair, as he was waived before having a chance to even speak with Saban. When interviewed about it, he concluded, "'But that's football'".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelley |first=Loudon |date=August 16, 1967 |title=Saban Revamps Denver Broncos For New Look |work=The Alliance Daily Times-Herald (Alliance, Nebraska) |pages=7}}</ref> 

Gonsoulin was signed by the National Football League's [[1967 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], who still held his rights from the 1960 draft. He suffered a neck injury during the 1967 season that cause him to miss some games; but still started eight games and had three interceptions. However, despite playing after the neck injury during the 1967 season, the 49ers informed Gonsoulin before the 1968 season that the injury would prevent the team from allowing him to play again, and he did not pass the team physical. Gonsoulin then chose to retire.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1967 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1967.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 15, 1967 |title=Scout Report, Balanced Attack |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |pages=86}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=August 6, 1968 |title=Gonsoulin Says He Is Through With Football |work=The Orange Leader (Orange, Texas) |pages=7 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

Gonsoulin was a ''[[The Sporting News|Sporting News]]'' AFL All-League player in [[1960 All-AFL Team|1960]], [[1962 American Football League season|1962]], and [[1963 American Football League season|1963]].{{citation needed|date=September 2025}} His amazing durability and toughness enabled him to start 61 consecutive games at one point in his career.{{citation needed|date=September 2025}}  

== Legacy and honors ==
Gonsoulin was one of the four inaugural members inducted into the [[Denver Broncos#Ring of Fame|Bronco's Ring of Fame]] in 1984.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Associated Press |date=2014-09-09 |title=Broncos great 'Goose' Gonsoulin, 76, dies |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11494971/denver-broncos-great-austin-goose-gonsoulin-76-dies |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> He also was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.<ref name=":4" /> Gonsoulin was selected to the second unit of the [[American Football League All-Time Team]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFL Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams - 1960s |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He has been named to numerous all-time Bronco teams, including the 20th Anniversary Team (1980), the 50th Anniversary Team (2009) and in 2019 as part of the NFL's 100th anniversary commemorations. As in college, with the Broncos he was "'Popular, quiet-spoken . . . respected by teammates and . . . worked hard to preserve team morale'".<ref name=":6" />

In Denver, he was considered an "original Bronco", and led the team four times in interceptions.<ref name=":5" /> When he left the AFL in 1966, after seven years in the league, he held the record for most interceptions in AFL history (43).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Austin 'Goose' Gonsoulin |url=https://www.coloradosports.org/hall-of-fame/athletes/1984-inductees/austin-goose-gonsoulin/ |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Colorado Sports Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> This AFL record was surpassed in 1968 by Houston Oilers' safety [[Jim Norton (safety)|Jim Norton]] during his ninth AFL season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jim Norton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NortJi00.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>  He was tied for 6th all-time in interceptions (46) when he played his last game in 1967.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Career Interceptions Leaders Through 1967 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_career_1967.htm |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> He held the Broncos' interception record until 1987 when it was surpassed by [[Steve Foley (defensive back)|Steve Foley]].<ref name=":7" /> In addition to being a top pass defender, he was also known as a hard-hitting tackler. He suffered numerous concussions when tackling others, but in his playing years, his experience was he would be asked a few questions such as what was your name and where were you born, and then given smelling salts and returned to play.<ref name=":5" /> 

The hardest collision in which he was involved came against the [[Houston Oilers]] and [[Billy Cannon]] in 1962. Gonsoulin's helmet hit the hard running Cannon's knee when he was attempting a tackle. Gonsoulin was knocked unconscious and swallowed his tongue. The team's trainers could not open his jaws and were about to break his teeth when teammate [[Bud McFadin]] was able to pry open Gonsoulin's mouth. It has also been reported that trainer Fred Posey was the one able to pull Gonsoulin's tongue free. When Gonsoulin regained consciousness on his way to the hospital, he was unaware of what had happened. Gonsoulin was back at practice two days later. Over his career Gonsoulin had numerous injuries, some long-term.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> 

== Personal life ==
After retiring from football, he operated a construction company.<ref name=":5" />

== Death ==
Gonsoulin died on September 8, 2014. He had been in hospice care in [[Beaumont, Texas]], suffering from [[prostate cancer]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Goose Gonsoulin passes away |url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Goose-Gonsoulin-passes-away/0c735da5-172b-480e-aa6d-2b97a2abeb56 |work=Denver Broncos |date=September 8, 2014 |access-date=September 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908231706/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Goose-Gonsoulin-passes-away/0c735da5-172b-480e-aa6d-2b97a2abeb56 |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":5" />

==See also==
* [[List of American Football League players]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Giants1959DraftPicks}}
{{49ers1960DraftPicks}}
{{1960 Denver Broncos}}
{{American Football League season interception leaders}}
{{Denver Broncos Ring of Honor}}
{{AFL1960s}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonsoulin, Goose}}
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:2014 deaths]]
[[Category:American football safeties]]
[[Category:Baylor Bears football players]]
[[Category:Denver Broncos (AFL) players]]
[[Category:San Francisco 49ers players]]
[[Category:American Football League All-League players]]
[[Category:American Football League All-Star players]]
[[Category:American Football League All-Time Team]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Port Arthur, Texas]]