Stephon Gilmore. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Stephon Gilmore retires from the NFL as a legend

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 6:30 PM ET

All-everything cornerback Stephon Gilmore has played his last snap in the NFL.

Gilmore, 35, was the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft coming out of South Carolina. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills and quickly became one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

He spent his first five seasons in Buffalo before signing with the New England Patriots in 2017. There, Gilmore became recognized as one of the biggest defensive stars in the game.

He was a part of New England's Super Bowl LIII-winning team and went on to become a two-time All-Pro and the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

He's now officially retired from the NFL after not playing at all last season.

"To my first love, Football — 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," Gilmore wrote on social media. "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."

Five-time Pro-Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore announced on IG that he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/qaMrO2HAKY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2026

Gilmore became a bit of a journeyman toward the end of his career, so the casual fan may not remember how much of a legend he was during his heyday with the Patriots.

In his Defensive Player of the Year season, he led the NFL with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. In the Super Bowl LIII win over the Los Angeles Rams, Gilmore notched five solo tackles and three pass deflections. He also notched an interception late in the fourth quarter that sealed the game for the Pats.

Before that, he intercepted Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers in the divisional round.

Gilmore's career spanned 13 seasons and saw him accumulate 32 interceptions (including two taken back to the house), 149 passes defended, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

An absolute legend, indeed.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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