Tashaun Gipson Sr. at the NFC Championship. Photo by Terrell Lloyd/49ers.

Sunday night’s NFC Championship was the stage for a dramatic 17-point comeback win, and an Oak Cliff native clad in red and gold had the closest view possible.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

The San Fransisco 49ers 34-31 win over the Detroit Lions was especially “surreal” for Tashaun Gipson Sr., who is advancing to the first Super Bowl in his 12-year NFL career.

“We just came out and played,” Gipson said during an on-the-field interview after the game. “I ain’t got the words to tell y’all right now, my heart is so full.”

The Kimball High School graduate was known for his athletic dominance as a football, basketball and track star that resulted in All-District honors and several college recruiting offers. Gipson played football on the collegiate level at the University of Wyoming from 2008-2011 and started every game of his collegiate career.

Signing with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Gipson went on to play with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears.

Sunday night was Gipson’s third conference championship appearance, and his first win. The Safety played a pivotal roll in the 49ers comeback victory, forcing a fumble in the third quarter that resulted in a tying touchdown four plays later.

“It was a huge play when we needed it the most,” defensive tackle Arik Armstead told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Gip’s been around the block, and this is his first opportunity to go to the Super Bowl. So, for him to make a game-changing play like that, you love that for him.”

The 49ers are facing the Kansas City Chiefs, current defending champions, in Super Bowl LVIII. The game will be held Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.