Stephon Gilmore Retires After 13‑Year NFL Career
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- Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.
- Gilmore posted on Instagram that he completed an “incredible” 13‑year league career and looks forward to his next chapter.
- Gilmore earned first‑team All‑Pro honors in 2018 and 2019 with the New England Patriots and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after leading the league with six interceptions and 20 passes defended.
- Gilmore was a first‑round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, played five seasons there, then signed with the Patriots in 2017, where he won Super Bowl LIII in 2018, recording two interceptions and five passes defended in the postseason.
- Gilmore subsequently played for the Carolina Panthers (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022), Dallas Cowboys (2023) and Minnesota Vikings (2024), and was unsigned in free agency for the 2025 season.
- Gilmore finishes his career with 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, 617 tackles in 180 games (173 starts) and five Pro Bowl selections.
Why it matters: Gilmore’s departure removes a veteran, award‑winning cornerback from the free‑agent market, limiting options for teams seeking experienced secondary help while opening a roster spot for younger talent. The NFL also loses a recognizable name that could draw fan interest and could affect broadcast ratings.
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