Stephon Gilmore is hanging up his cleats and gloves.
The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year announced his retirement on Thursday after 13 NFL seasons.
Gilmore, 35, did not play in 2025 and spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) April 2, 2026
“To my first love, Football,” Gilmore wrote on social media. “As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 - you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime. From my first game with Finley Road Falcons to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself.
“To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams. 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.”
Originally taken with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Gilmore spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills. Joining the New England Patriots in free agency, he would win DPOY of the year and Super Bowl LIII in 2019. In 16 games, Gilmore registered 53 tackles and a league-leading 20 passes defended and six interceptions, including two pick-sixes. In the 13-3 Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Gilmore picked off Jared Goff in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
After leaving the Pats after the 2020 season, Gilmore went on to have four successive one-year stints with the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Vikings.
He finishes his career with 617 tackles, 149 passes defended and 32 interceptions in 180 games.
