Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, a veteran of 13 NFL seasons, announced his immediate retirement in a put up to his Instagram account April 2.
Gilmore, 35, performed for six groups in his NFL profession: the Buffalo Bills (2012-16), New England Patriots (2017-20), Carolina Panthers (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022), Dallas Cowboys (2023) and Minnesota Vikings (2024).
Advertisement
Gilmore gained a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2018, made 5 Pro Bowls, and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 in accordance with The Sporting News and the Pro Football Writers Association.
“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.
MORE: Veteran NFL linebacker announces immediate retirement at 30
Gilmore retires with 32 interceptions for 496 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to 617 tackles (521 solo), 9 tackles for a loss, and one sack in 180 NFL video games.
Gilmore led the NFL in interceptions in 2019, with six. He completed within the high 10 within the league in passes defended 4 instances, and retires with the 12th-most (149) in a career since 1999, when the stat turned official.
Advertisement
“You made Rock Hill proud,” former NFL tight finish Benjamin Watson wrote in response to Gilmore’s put up. “Congratulations lil bro. I’m honored to have shared the locker room and field with you even for a season. The best is yet to come. May the Lord guide you and your family as you navigate this transition. Stay connected. Keep pressing on. Love you”
MORE: Vikings announce tragic death of six-time NFL Pro Bowler
A South Carolina native, Gilmore stayed in-state for school and picked off eight passes in three seasons with the Gamecocks. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the tenth total decide in 2012.
After 5 seasons in Buffalo, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract to hitch the New England Patriots, with $40 million assured.
Advertisement
In his first season with the Pats, Gilmore broke up a cross in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars within the AFC championship sport to ship New England to its second straight Super Bowl.
MORE: Former Jets quarterback announces immediate retirement at 31
In his solely Super Bowl look in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams, Gilmore’s interception of Jared Goff was instrumental within the Patriots’ 13-3 victory.
“To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams,” Gilmore wrote on Instagram. “To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today. To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. And to the fans — thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.”
