Stephon Gilmore Retires After 13 Elite NFL Seasons

The former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion announced his retirement from the NFL.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting various football plays and actions, representing the key moments that defined Stephon Gilmore's standout NFL career.Gilmore's career-defining plays, captured in a cubist masterpiece that reflects the cornerback's elite playmaking ability.Rock Hill Today

After 13 years of elite cornerback play that earned him two first-team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl nods, a Defensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl LIII championship, Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. Gilmore was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2012 draft and developed into one of the league's top cornerbacks, making his biggest plays in the game's biggest moments for the Patriots.

Why it matters

Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NFL's premier defensive backs of the 2010s. His lockdown coverage and game-changing plays helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl and cement his legacy as an all-time great at his position.

The details

After five seasons with the Bills, Gilmore signed with the Patriots in 2017 and blossomed into an elite playmaker under Bill Belichick's coaching staff. He made two key plays that defined his career - a pass deflection to send the Patriots to Super Bowl LII, and a game-sealing interception to help New England win Super Bowl LIII.

  • Gilmore was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
  • Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots as a free agent in 2017.
  • Gilmore made a key pass deflection in the 2017 AFC Championship game to send the Patriots to Super Bowl LII.
  • Gilmore intercepted a pass from Jared Goff to help the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
  • Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Stephon Gilmore

A 13-year NFL veteran cornerback who was a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, and the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He won a Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots in 2019.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who helped develop Gilmore into an elite cornerback during his time with the team.

Matt Patricia

A former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots who worked with Gilmore during his time with the team.

Brian Flores

A former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots who worked with Gilmore during his time with the team.

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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 l am today. To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. 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. GillyLock Out.”

— Stephon Gilmore

The takeaway

Stephon Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NFL's elite cornerbacks of the 2010s. His lockdown coverage, game-changing plays, and championship pedigree cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive backs of his generation.