Louis Oliver was a 6'2" defensive back for the University of Florida Gators. He earned First-team All-SEC and All-American in 1987 and in 1988. The Dolphins kept him in the state, selecting him with their first round choice in the 1989 NFL Entry Draft, 25th overall.
Oliver started 13 of 15 games at free safety as a rookie in 1989, next to Gators teammate Jarvis Williams. He intercepted four passes while racking up 62 tackles for Miami, also forcing a fumble. Miami finished 8-8 on the season.
In 1990, Oliver started all 16 games for the Dolphins, making 65 tackles and picking off five passes for 87 return yards. Miami posted a 12-4 record, returning to the playoffs after a four year absence. He earned mention as a UPI All-Conference Second-Team selection.
1991 would see Oliver again intercept five passes in 16 starts for the Dolphins. This includes a week eight performance in which he made two interceptions against the Houston Oilers. He also made 88 tackles for the 8-8 team.
Oliver made five more interceptions in his 16 starts in 1992 as the team finished 11-5 and returned to the playoffs, getting all the way to the AFC Championship. He made a career high 90 tackles. He also scored his first career touchdown in a week four victory over the Buffalo Bills, 37-10. That afternoon, he picked off three Jim Kelly passes for 170 return yards, including his touchdown, which covered 103 yards. He earned First-Team All-Conference and Second-Team All-NFL honors after the season.
Oliver was limited by injury to 11 starts in 1993 as Miami finished 9-7 and missed out on the playoffs. He still managed to make 64 tackles and pick off two passes, one of them for a touchdown in a week six victory over the Indianapolis Colts, 41-27.
Oliver joined the Cincinnati Bengals for the 1994 season, but returned to start five of 15 games for the Dolphins in 1995 at the free safety position. He made 47 tackles on the season. Miami finished 9-7, earning a wildcard berth in the playoffs.
In 1996, Oliver started 12 of 16 games for Miami, making 65 tackles and picking off three passes. He also collected an NFL high five fumbles as the Dolphins finished 8-8.
After retiring, he started a professional party liaison business for celebrities. He is currently a general partner in a real estate firm in Miami.