Sports02 April, 20261 min read
Stephon Gilmore Retires After 13 NFL Seasons, 2019 Defensive Player of the Year
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.
Gilmore Announces Retirement
Gilmore officially retired after 13 NFL seasons as a two-time All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.
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.
Career Highlights and Legacy
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.
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Final Years and Influence
The last four seasons were characterized by one-year stints with four teams. 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.