Gideon was born in
Greenwood, Mississippi and attended
Greenwood High School. Gideon attended college at
Southern Mississippi. In 1996, he appeared in 11 games, recording 33 receptions for 500 yards and one touchdown. In 1997, he appeared in 12 games, recording 53
reception for 1,008 yards and nine
touchdowns. He also returned 33 punts for 347 yards. For the season, he finished 1st in
Conference USA in receiving yards and yards-per-reception (18.7). In 1999, he appeared in eight games, recording 40 receptions for 520 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned six punts for 41 yards. In 2004, Gideon was named to Conference USA's first All-Decade team. ==Professional career==