One of the NFL's Greatest Corners Just Called It: Stephon Gilmore Is Done
One of the best defensive backs to ever play the game announced his retirement on Thursday, and it marks the end of an era for one of the league's most dominant cornerbacks. Stephon Gilmore, 35, posted the news to Instagram with a simple message: "I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds."
The Peak Years in New England
Gilmore's resume reads like a Hall of Fame résumé. He was a first-round pick out of South Carolina back in 2012, selected by the Buffalo Bills, where he spent his first five seasons establishing himself as a lockdown corner. But it was his time in New England that cemented his legacy. After signing with the Patriots in 2017, Gilmore became one of the league's most feared defensive backs. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro in both 2018 and 2019, years when he was absolutely dominant. In 2019, he was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. That same year, he won a Super Bowl with the Patriots, recording two interceptions and five passes defended during New England's three-game postseason run to the championship.
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After leaving New England, Gilmore's path took him through several teams. The Panthers traded for him in 2021, he signed with the Colts in 2022, moved to the Cowboys in 2023, and played for the Vikings in 2024. He did not play last season after going unsigned in free agency.
The Numbers Don't Lie
When you look at what Gilmore accomplished across 180 games (173 starts), the impact is undeniable. He finished with 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, and 617 tackles. He was selected to five Pro Bowls during his career. That's the kind of consistency and excellence that defines elite defenders in this league.
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