Stephon Gilmore has long been one of the best corners in the National Football League. The five-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2019) needs no introduction. He spent most of his best years with the Patriots and Bills, but in the past few seasons, he’s bounced around to a number of teams, including the Panthers, Colts, and now the Dallas Cowboys. During Saturday’s preseason game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gilmore opened up about why he signed with Dallas, his relationship with Trevon Diggs, and more.
Stephon Gilmore is fired up to be a part of the Cowboys
He’s excited to be a member of such a proud, historic franchise. “It feels great,” Gilmore said. “Great stadium, great fans. It’s an honor to be a Cowboy. I grew up watching the Cowboys win a lot of games. So, I am going to take advantage of every opportunity I get to play here.”
Dallas is home to one of the league’s more exciting corners to watch. There’s never a dull moment with Trevon Diggs and Gilmore is happy to mentor the young corner. “He’s like a little brother to me now,” Gilmore said. “He’s got so much talent and I’m just trying to help him as much as I can. I think he’s got so much more room to grow. Just trying to do whatever I can to help him be a great player.”
As one of the veteran defenders on the Cowboys’ roster, has he been impressed from what he’s seen out of the younger players?
“They’re flying around making plays,” Gilmore said. “It’s good to see those guys finally get some live action and go out and do their thing.”
For somebody who has carved out such a dominant career in the National Football League, Gilmore likely has plenty of wise advice for the younger players on the roster. What advice does he have to share?
“Just to go out,” Gilmore said. “It’s still football at the end of the day. You’ve been playing it since you were six years old. It’s just more people watching. Just go out and be yourself. Don’t take these moments for granted.”
In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars led the Cowboys 22-16 with 8:20 remaining.
At nearly 34 years old, Gilmore remains a top-10 cornerback in the league. Last season, he posted 66 tackles and two interceptions for the Colts. His career total is now up to 29 picks in regular season games.
On3’s Nikki Chavanelle and Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.
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