- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Rock Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Super Bowl Champion Stephon Gilmore Retires from NFL at 35
The veteran cornerback announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the league.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:03pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Gilmore's storied career as an elite NFL cornerback is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his on-field achievements.Rock Hill TodayStephon Gilmore, a Super Bowl champion and Defensive Player of the Year, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35. The veteran cornerback played 13 seasons in the league, including stints with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings.
Why it matters
Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that saw him become one of the league's top defensive backs. His departure leaves a void in the secondary for the teams he played for and will be felt across the NFL.
The details
Gilmore was selected 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of South Carolina. He spent the first five seasons of his career in Buffalo before signing with the New England Patriots in 2017. With the Patriots, Gilmore won a Super Bowl in 2018 and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after leading the league with six interceptions.
- Gilmore announced his retirement on April 2, 2026.
- He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
- Gilmore spent the first five seasons of his career with the Bills.
- He signed with the New England Patriots in 2017.
- Gilmore won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2018 and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
The players
Stephon Gilmore
A 35-year-old cornerback who played 13 seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots and being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
Buffalo Bills
The NFL team that drafted Gilmore 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
New England Patriots
The NFL team that Gilmore signed with in 2017, where he won a Super Bowl and was named Defensive Player of the Year.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Stephon Gilmore
“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
The takeaway
Stephon Gilmore's retirement marks the end of an accomplished career that saw him become one of the NFL's elite defensive backs. His impact on the teams he played for and the league as a whole will be felt for years to come.
