Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1956 and Baylor University in 1960. He ran track in high school and lettered in football, playing running back and defensive back. He was chosen both All-District and All-State. 
 
At Baylor, Gonsoulin played running back, defensive back, and receiver and was the team captain in 1959.
 
His professional career began with the formation of the AFL in 1960. Gonsoulin played for the Denver Broncos for most of his career. After the 1962 season, he was chosen for the All-AFL team and started in the AFL All-Star Game. For his last season in 1967, he played for the 49ers. He was named All-AFL safety four times and played in the Pro-Bowl six times. He still holds Denver's standard for the most interceptions in a season (11) and is tied for the single-game record (4). He held the career interception record (43) until 1987 when Steve Foley broke it with 44.
 
Gonsoulin was recognized as one of four charter members of Denver's Ring of Fame. He was also picked for the Broncos' 20-year All-Star team and was named to the Colorado Hall of Fame in 1984.