Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Stephon Gilmore Hopes for One Thing, Days After Retirement Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Binoy | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 1:37 PM ET

Just days after announcing his retirement, Stephon Gilmore is already thinking about what comes next. After more than a decade in the NFL that included a Super Bowl title, a Defensive Player of the Year award and stops with several successful franchises, Gilmore has plenty to be proud of.

But as he reflects on his career and life after football, there is one thing in particular he hopes will change moving forward.

While talking to Mike Reiss after calling it quits, Stephon Gilmore shared the one thing he hopes for after finishing his career, and that is eventually making it into the Hall of Fame.

Gilmore said he feels like he gave everything he had to the game and believes his body of work deserves that kind of recognition. He pointed to the way he played throughout his career, often lining up in man coverage against the other team’s top receiver every single week.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) makes a catch against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (2). Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He also reflected on his years in New England, where he says he learned a lot from playing alongside veterans like Tom Brady, Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Julian Edelman. Gilmore called his game-clinching interception in the Super Bowl against the Rams the top play of his career, even though he believes his breakup in the AFC title game against Jacksonville was more difficult.

As for what comes next, Gilmore said he wants to spend time with his family before eventually exploring scouting, coaching and real estate.

A Closer Look at Stephon Gilmore’s Career

Stephon Gilmore officially called time on his NFL career this week, bringing an end to a very impressive 13-year run in the league.

Gilmore built a reputation as one of the best cornerbacks of his era, especially during his time with the Patriots. He was named first-team All-Pro twice, made five Pro Bowls and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after a dominant season that included six interceptions.

He also played a major role in New England’s Super Bowl run during the 2018 season, helping the Patriots win another title before later spending time with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys and Vikings.

Gilmore originally entered the league as a first-round pick by the Bills in 2012 and quickly became one of the top defensive backs in football.

By the end of his career, he had piled up 32 interceptions, nearly 150 pass breakups and more than 600 tackles across 180 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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