Longtime Cornerback Stephon Gilmore Retires After 13 NFL Seasons

The former Defensive Player of the Year won a Super Bowl with the Patriots and made 5 Pro Bowls.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the highlights of Stephon Gilmore's NFL career, with sharp planes of color representing his athletic accomplishments on the field.A cubist visual interpretation of cornerback Stephon Gilmore's standout 13-year NFL career, marked by Pro Bowls, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a Super Bowl championship.Rock Hill Today

Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. The 35-year-old Gilmore, who was the 10th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, made five Pro Bowls and was named the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year while with the New England Patriots, helping them win Super Bowl LIII. Gilmore also played for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings over his career.

Why it matters

Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the league's top cornerbacks of the last decade. As a shutdown corner, he played a key role in the Patriots' defensive success and Super Bowl championship. His retirement also highlights the physical toll of the NFL, with many star players like Gilmore retiring in their mid-30s.

The details

Gilmore announced his retirement in an Instagram post, thanking the game of football, his family, coaches, and fans for supporting him over his 13-year career. He was drafted 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012 and made the Pro Bowl four times with the Patriots from 2017-2020, including being named the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII, making a key interception late in the game.

  • Gilmore was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
  • He made the Pro Bowl four times with the New England Patriots from 2017-2020.
  • Gilmore was named the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
  • He helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
  • Gilmore announced his retirement on April 2, 2026.

The players

Stephon Gilmore

A 35-year-old cornerback who played 13 seasons in the NFL, making 5 Pro Bowls and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 with the New England Patriots.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the New England Patriots, under whom Gilmore played from 2017-2021.

Jared Goff

The quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, who Gilmore intercepted a pass from late in Super Bowl LIII.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Stephon Gilmore

“To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams. To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today. To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me.”

— Stephon Gilmore

“And to the fans—thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.”

— Stephon Gilmore

The takeaway

Stephon Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an accomplished career for one of the NFL's top cornerbacks of the 2010s. His shutdown ability, five Pro Bowl selections, and Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 with the Patriots cemented his legacy as an elite defensive back. Gilmore's retirement at age 35 also highlights the physical toll of the NFL, with many star players retiring in their mid-30s.