History of Oronde Gadsden in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 24, 2025

Oronde Gadsden is a former American professional football wide receiver. He played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Before his NFL career, Gadsden gained experience in the World League of American Football (WLAF) with the Frankfurt Galaxy, and in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Portland Forest Dragons. He played college football at Winston-Salem State University.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 20, 1971: Oronde Gadsden Born

On August 20, 1971, Oronde Benjamin Gadsden was born. He would later become a professional football player, playing wide receiver in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Signed and Waived by the Dallas Cowboys

In 1995, Oronde Gadsden, after not being selected in the NFL draft, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. On August 22, 1995, he was waived, and then signed to the team's practice squad on August 30, 1995.

January 8, 1996: Promotion to Active Roster and Injury

On January 8, 1996, Oronde Gadsden was promoted to the active roster of the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC Championship game. However, he suffered a severely sprained left ankle.

February 4, 1997: Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers

On February 4, 1997, Oronde Gadsden was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent, joining fellow Winston-Salem alumnus Yancey Thigpen.

1997: Shoulder Injury

In 1997, Oronde Gadsden signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of the World League of American Football but separated his shoulder during the tryout camp and did not play during the season.

1998: AFL Rookie of the Year

In 1998, Oronde Gadsden played for the Portland Forest Dragons as a wide receiver and linebacker, earning AFL Rookie of the Year honors after registering 93 receptions for 1,335 yards and 37 touchdowns in 14 games.

1998: Signed with Miami Dolphins

In 1998, Oronde Gadsden was signed by the Miami Dolphins. As a 27-year-old rookie, his first NFL reception was a 44-yard touchdown. He started 12 games, finishing with 48 receptions, 713 yards, and seven receiving touchdowns.

1999: Second on Team in Receptions

In 1999, Oronde Gadsden registered 48 receptions (second on the team), a career-high 803 yards, and six receiving touchdowns (which led the team) for the Miami Dolphins.

2000: Started Original Gear Clothing Company

In 2000, Oronde Gadsden started the clothing company Original Gear while he was still an NFL player.

2000: Career High in Receptions

In 2000, after Dan Marino retired, Oronde Gadsden had a career-high 56 receptions for 786 yards and six receiving touchdowns, leading the Miami Dolphins team.

2001: Limited Production Due to Health Problems

After the 2001 season, Oronde Gadsden's health problems limited his production to a combined 20 receptions, with no touchdowns.

2001: Famous Catches

In 2001, Oronde Gadsden made one-handed catches against the New York Jets and in the playoffs against the Oakland Raiders. Photos of these catches are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and were nominated for ESPYs.

September 5, 2003: Waived by the Dolphins

On September 5, 2003, Oronde Gadsden was waived due to injury, leaving the Miami Dolphins.

2006: Inducted into Winston-Salem State University Athletic Hall of Fame

In 2006, Oronde Gadsden was inducted into the Winston-Salem State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

2006: TotalLuxuryGroup Goes Public

In 2006, the clothing company Original Gear, started by Oronde Gadsden, went public under the name TotalLuxuryGroup. He also continues involvement with his charity, NextLevel Charities.