Vikings Star Stephon Gilmore Retires from Football

The 5-time Pro Bowler is walking away from the NFL after 12 seasons.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of purple, gold, and white, representing the loss of a key defensive player for the Minnesota Vikings.The retirement of Vikings star cornerback Stephon Gilmore leaves a gaping hole in the team's secondary that they must now fill.Minneapolis Today

Stephon Gilmore, the star cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, has announced his retirement from professional football after 12 seasons in the league. Gilmore, a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First-team All-Pro, cited ongoing injuries and a desire to spend more time with his family as the main reasons for his decision.

Why it matters

Gilmore's retirement is a significant loss for the Vikings, who will now have to find a replacement for one of the best defensive backs in the NFL over the past decade. His departure also marks the end of an era, as Gilmore was one of the last remaining stars from the Vikings' Super Bowl-contending teams in the early 2020s.

The details

Gilmore, 34, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2012 and spent the first 5 seasons of his career there before signing with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2017. He won Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019 and helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII. Gilmore joined the Vikings in 2022 and made the Pro Bowl in each of his 4 seasons in Minnesota.

  • Gilmore was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
  • He signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2017.
  • Gilmore joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
  • Gilmore announced his retirement on April 3, 2026.

The players

Stephon Gilmore

A 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback who spent the last 4 seasons of his 12-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings

The NFL team that Gilmore played for from 2022 until his retirement in 2026.

New England Patriots

The NFL team that Gilmore played for from 2017 to 2021, winning a Super Bowl with them in 2019.

Buffalo Bills

The NFL team that drafted Gilmore in 2012 and he played for during the first 5 seasons of his career.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an honor to play in the NFL for the past 12 years. I'm grateful for the memories and relationships I've built, but it's time for me to step away and focus on the next chapter of my life.”

— Stephon Gilmore

What’s next

The Vikings will now need to find a replacement for Gilmore in their secondary through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

Stephon Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an era for the Minnesota Vikings, as they lose one of the best defensive backs of the past decade. His departure will leave a significant hole in their secondary that they'll need to address in the offseason.