One of the best corners to ever wear a Patriots uniform.
The New England Patriots are known for drafting players who become Patriots for life; others come in from other teams and spend pivotal parts of their careers, and even though they eventually leave, they still remain Patriots for life.
Stephon Gilmore is the latter.
The Patriots' Super Bowl-winning cornerback, whom they acquired from the Buffalo Bills prior to the 2017 season, announced his retirement on Thursday.
The two-time All-Pro corner and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year took to social media to announce his retirement from the game that he loves.
"I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds," Gilmore wrote in an Instagram post.
Gilmore was a 10th overall draft pick in 2012 by the Buffalo Bills before signing with the Patriots in 2017. It was in New England where many feel he flourished in his career.
It was in early 2018 that Gilmore made an incredible play in the AFC Championship that would become part of Patriots lore when he batted down a pass by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles late in the game. The play would be what sent the Patriots to the Super Bowl that year.
The following season, he would intercept a pass late in Super Bowl LIII, which would then solidify the Patriots' sixth Super Bowl championship.
In 2021, the Patriots traded Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers; in 2022, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts; in 2023, he played with the Dallas Cowboys; and in 2024, he played with the Minnesota Vikings.
Last season, Gilmore did not see the football field at all as he remained an unsigned free agent all year.
Gilmore finishes his career with 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, and 617 tackles in 180 games (173 starts) and was selected to five Pro Bowls.
Lastly, he holds a special place in the hearts of Pats fans for his efforts during the latter part of their two-decade-long dynasty as the team's shutdown corner, key against opposing offenses.
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