BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson carries several tattoos on his body to celebrate the journey he has taken from Dallas, Texas to the University of Wyoming, and now, the National Football League, but the word inked across his chest may be the most important.
Gipson's most prominent tattoo is of the word, "Blessed," and that is exactly how the third-year safety felt when he was selected to play in the 2015 Pro Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on January 25.
"It was definitely emotional for me and my family," Gipson said. "It was just a blessing to be able to hear my name called and be amongst the game's elite. It's just truly a blessing. I'm giving God the glory. Without Him, it would be impossible.
"I just think this is a huge win for the city of Cleveland, the team, and it's just a blessing to be a part of this."
Those who share the field, particularly in the secondary, are very proud of Gipson's achievement.
"It's a big, big accomplishment," said safety Donte Whitner, an alternate for the 2015 Pro Bowl. "He's worked extremely hard to get there. One of the things when I came here and we first sat down and talked, I wanted to help him get to the Pro Bowl, and he has the opportunity to go now. It's a heck of an achievement, him and Joe (Haden) making it. I'm actually an alternate, so to be able to receive some recognition in our secondary is pretty awesome."
Cornerback Joe Haden, who was named to his second straight Pro Bowl Tuesday, added, "I'm super happy for Gip. Just to see him come in his rookie year, be undrafted, I saw him grow the whole time, and he's been a great talent. Just for him to be recognized by the whole NFL is special."
In addition to his tattoos serving as a reminder of where he has been and the journey ahead, Gipson posts a list of goals to his refrigerator as a way of motivating himself to work to his absolute limits every day in an effort to become the best player he can be.
According to Gipson, making the Pro Bowl "was the top goal" from an individual standpoint.
"It was a goal that I wanted to set from a personal standpoint," Gipson said. "Aside from winning football games and things like that, this is that goal that I wanted to set. I sat down and wrote down my stats and what I felt would get me to the Pro Bowl, and I think I was able to accomplish those things. I'm just blessed to be in this situation. I can't thank the coaching staff enough and my teammates, and just being blessed to play for the wonderful city of Cleveland."
Coming out of college, Gipson switched from cornerback to safety and earned his way onto the Browns' roster as an undrafted free agent signee heading into training camp. Since signing with the Browns, Gipson has ranked among the NFL's best with 12 interceptions, two of which he has returned for touchdowns.
Gipson is the first undrafted free agent defensive player to represent the Browns in the Pro Bowl since linebacker Mike Johnson in 1991.
"It's a surreal feeling," Gipson said. "It's huge from a personal standpoint. It's huge coming from where I came from, not knowing if you're going to be on a roster week-in and week-out, just an uphill battle and just being blessed throughout this whole process, just having faith and trying to model my game and be a better player each year and try to get better each year.
"I just think it's starting to show that hard work pays off. It's just a blessing to be in this situation right now, to be able to come here and be amongst the game's best. I can't ask for anything better. Of course, I'd like to be playing in the playoffs and things like that, but from a personal accolade, achievement standpoint, this is like the pinnacle of your playing career. Everybody wants to get to that Pro Bowl, and I've been blessed. To be able to achieve it this early in my career is just a blessing."
For a large portion of the regular season, Gipson led the NFL with six interceptions, and despite missing the last four games with a sprained medial collateral ligament that resulted in him being placed on injured reserve, he still remains second in the league for interceptions.
"That's a way to show the respect that I've earned from the fans, as well as my peers around the league because, as we all know, it's the fans, coaches and players voting," Gipson said. "I think it's definitely a testament to me having to earn the respect of my peers around the league. I'm nowhere near where I want to be in my game yet, but it's just a blessing to be recognized for some of the hard work I've put in, in my first 11 games.
"I'll absolutely be able to play, for sure. I'll be able to do everything. I could've played today, but I'll definitely play. I wouldn't miss that opportunity, but if something comes up between now and then, if I can't play, I won't put myself in that situation."
