ABOUT OMAR

Omar Gaither (born March 18 , 1984 in Charlotte, North Carolina ) is an American football linebacker for the National Football League . He currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles . He played college football at the University of Tennessee from 2002 -2005 . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft . He wears the number 96 instead of his college number, 44. Due to the struggles and injury of starter Matt McCoy, Gaither got his first NFL start at WLB on December 4, 2006 on a Monday Night Football win against the Carolina Panthers. Gaither played high school football at Myers Park High School .

PRO

A fifth round draft pick in 2006, Omar Gaither earned a roster spot with a productive preseason, and later a starting spot at WILL linebacker for the stretch run of the regular season. In those seven starts in the regular season and playoffs, the instinctive Gaither totaled an impressive 57 tackles with one sack and one interception.

COLLEGE

A two-year starter at Tennessee, Gaither recorded 210 tackles with 6 sacks and 23 TFLs. As a senior, finished with 78 tackles, 4 sacks, 7.5 TFLs, and 4 FFs en route to his 2nd straight All-SEC 2nd team honors. Had a career-high 92 tackles, including 12.5 TFLs as a junior when he took over the SAM linebacker duties. 

PERSONAL

Resides in New Jersey and Charlotte, NC.

• Is the son of Michael and Mary Gaither. Has two brothers, Saeed and Joshua, and one older sister, Tanesha
• Earned All-America honors at Myers Park HS and North Carolina defensive MVP honors in 2001 Shrine Bowl
• Averaged 14 pts. and 10 rebounds in basketball as a senior and was recruited by Princeton and Wagner. Also participated in the hurdles and long jump
• Played on the same AAU basketball team as former Wake Forest guard and friend Justin Gray. Also played against former Duke guard J.J. Redick in high school
• Attended an exclusive NFL program at the Harvard Business School during the 2007 offseason
• Owns a German shepherd named Ox
• Is a self-proclaimed "movie buff" and says that the best movie of all-time is the "Shawshank Redemption"
• Says that if he was not a football player he would be a lawyer
• Would like to get into the real estate business when his playing days are over
• Is a member of the Eagles offseason basketball team
• Played the trumpet when he was younger
• Earned degree in sports management, minored in business and earned SEC All-Academic honors 3 times
• For more information on Gaither log on to www.omar-gaither.com
• Full name: Omar Thabiti Gaither