Stephon Gilmore Announces Retirement from NFL

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has played his last game in the NFL.

On Thursday, he shared the news of his retirement, concluding a career that spanned 13 years and included stints with six different teams. Most notably, he spent significant time with the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.

This past season, in 2025, he didn’t take the field at all.

At 35, Gilmore enjoyed notable achievements during his career. He was part of the Patriots team that triumphed in the Super Bowl against the Rams in 2019. The following season marked a highlight for him—he recorded six interceptions, defended 20 passes, and earned the title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Over his career, Gilmore made five Pro Bowl appearances and was named All-Pro on two occasions.

In his retirement announcement, he reflected on his journey, stating, “As a young, difficult kid from Rock Hill, South Carolina, growing up in poverty as the eldest of six children, you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends that will last a lifetime.” He thanked the game for teaching him essential lessons about hard work and self-belief, mentioning everything from his first game to his Super Bowl experiences.

Gilmore was drafted 10th overall by the Bills in 2012, where he played for five years before joining the Patriots in 2017. His career also included time with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and most recently, the Vikings, who he played for in 2024.

Throughout his 180-game career, Gilmore accumulated 617 tackles, 32 interceptions, 149 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, and one sack.

In his announcement, he expressed gratitude toward his wife, children, parents, and coaches. He also thanked fans for their support, emphasizing how much he enjoyed his time in the league and expressing curiosity about what lies ahead in his next chapter.