Image: USA Today

Stephon Gilmore Retires After 13 NFL Seasons, 2019 Defensive Player of the Year

02 April, 2026.Sports.11 sources

Gilmore retired after a 13-year NFL career, announcing the decision on Instagram.
Two-time All-Pro (2018, 2019) and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.
Six-team NFL career including Bills and Patriots; won a Super Bowl.

Gilmore officially retired after 13 NFL seasons as a two-time All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.

“Legendary former Patriots cornerback announces retirement One of the greatest cornerbacks in New England Patriots history is calling it a career”

He was the No. 10 overall pick in 2012 and played five seasons with the Bills before signing with the Patriots.

He won a Super Bowl and DPOY with New England.

He finished with 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, and 617 tackles in 180 games.

Gilmore's career peaked with a Super Bowl win and Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.

He led the league with six interceptions and 20 passes defended that year.

He surrendered just 32 receptions and zero touchdowns during that season.

He ranks 12th all-time in passes deflected among cornerbacks.

The last four seasons were characterized by one-year stints with four teams.

“Two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday”

He admitted his body was feeling it more than usual in his final offseason.

He finished as a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro.

His retirement primes the cornerback position as a focus in the 2026 draft.

More on Sports

Tottenham's De Zerbi Apologizes for Greenwood Defense; Fans Divided

13 sources compared

Luka Doncic Exits With Hamstring Injury As Lakers Blow 43-Point Lead to Thunder

17 sources compared

Virginia Judge Denies Chandler Morris' Seventh Year of Eligibility Appeal

12 sources compared

Phil Mickelson Withdraws From Masters Citing Family Health Matter

20 sources compared