One of the Best Corners in NFL History Just Called It Quits, and the League Lost a Legend
Stephon Gilmore is done. The two-time All-Pro cornerback announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday at 35 years old, closing the book on an incredible 13-year career that redefined defensive excellence in the modern game.
"I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds," Gilmore wrote on Instagram. For anyone who watched football over the last decade-plus, that's one hell of an understatement.
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Gilmore's résumé speaks for itself. He was a first-round pick out of South Carolina by Buffalo back in 2012 and spent five seasons establishing himself as a shutdown corner before joining the New England Patriots in 2017. That's when things got elite.
In 2019, Gilmore was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. That season he led the entire league with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. He was a first-team All-Pro in both 2018 and 2019, cementing himself as one of the best defensive backs in football. When the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2018, Gilmore was right there with two interceptions and five passes defended during New England's three-game championship run.
A Journey Across the League
After four seasons in New England, Gilmore's later career took him around the league. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, signed with Indianapolis in 2022, got traded to Dallas in 2023, and played for Minnesota in 2024. He went unsigned in free agency last season and didn't suit up.
Over 180 games (173 starts), Gilmore finished with 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, and 617 tackles. He earned five Pro Bowl selections. That's a Hall of Fame-caliber career any way you measure it.
The Seahawks defense won't face that lockdown coverage anymore. Next time Seattle takes the field, corners like Gilmore will be memories of what elite secondary play looked like. Respect to one of the greats.
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