Patriots Super Bowl Champion, DPOY, Announces Retirement
Stephon Gilmore is retiring after a 13-year NFL career. The former Pro Bowl cornerback confirmed the news on social media.
Career overview
Gilmore entered the league as the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft. The Buffalo Bills selected him out of college.
He played for several franchises over his career. Those teams included the Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings.
Key contract and early criticism
After five seasons with Buffalo, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million deal. The contract included $40 million in guaranteed money.
Many analysts called the contract an overpay at the time. Gilmore would respond with strong performances soon after.
Patriots tenure
Gilmore spent parts of five seasons with New England. He helped the franchise win two conference championships.
He earned a Super Bowl LIII ring as a Patriots Super Bowl Champion. His play became a central part of the secondary.
In the 2017 AFC title game, Gilmore made a decisive pass breakup to send New England to the Super Bowl. That play occurred on January 21, 2018, at Gillette Stadium.
In Super Bowl LIII, he recorded a leaping interception against Jared Goff. The Patriots won that game by a 13-3 final score.
2019 season and honors
The 2019 season represented the peak of Gilmore’s production. He led the league with six interceptions that year.
Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. His performance earned him the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, often noted as DPOY.
Later years
In 2020, Gilmore saw a drop in production but still earned a Pro Bowl nod. The following offseason he was placed on the PUP list.
He was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth-round draft pick. He later had short stints with the Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings.
Retirement and legacy
Gilmore thanked family, coaches, and fans in his retirement message. He referenced his roots in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and his humble upbringing.
He officially Announces Retirement on social media and said he looks forward to the next chapter. He will be eligible for the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2030.
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