Hailing from Richmiond, Virginia, John Gamble became an All-American linebacker at Hampton University while also starring in track and field.

Gamble arrived at the University in 1981 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, a period in which he also competed in powerlifting contests, culminating in a title at the 1981 Junior National Championships and then excelling on the international stage.

In 1984 Gamble was promoted to head strength coach. By 1985 he was named Strength Coach of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association after the Cavaliers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers in the Peach Bowl. Gamble also spent eight years as Virginia State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

After a successful career at Virginia, John served as Strength Coach for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins for 12 seasons and was named “Coach of the Year” by the Professional Strength Coaches Society in 1998. Continuing his prolific NFL career, John ventured north to Buffalo, New York where he continued in a similar role with the Buffalo Bills.

While honored here for his support of the Football program, it is important to remember that John served as the strength coach for all varsity teams at the University during his tenure. Through this he left an enduring legacy across Grounds and with hundreds of Cavalier student-athletes.