Another member of the Patriots dynasty has called it a career.
Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, signed a one-day contract Friday to officially retire with New England, where he won the lone Super Bowl of his 13-year career.
“I think I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t come to this franchise,” Gilmore said.
The No. 10 overall draft pick by the Bills in 2012, Gilmore spent five seasons in Buffalo — including being named a Pro Bowler in his final season — before signing with the Patriots in 2017.
With New England, Gilmore brought his game to the next level. After losing part of the 2017 season to injury, the cornerback earned his first of two All-Pro selections in 2018, then was a staple on defense that postseason as the Patriots won their final Super Bowl of the Tom Brady era.
Gilmore picked off Rams quarterback Jared Goff late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Patriots.
Coming off the Super Bowl campaign, Gilmore responded with one of the best defensive seasons ever by a Patriot. He led the league with six interceptions — including two pick-sixes — en route to winning the first DPOY in franchise history.
In four seasons in New England, Gilmore recorded 185 tackles and 11 interceptions.
“I had great early years in my career, but I think once I came to New England, I really grew into myself mentally, physically,” Gilmore said. “I got so much better as a player, I had great coaches, I was around a lot of great veteran players that really helped me elevate my game.”
Gilmore was traded to the Panthers in 2021, when he was named a Pro Bowler for the fourth straight season. He followed that with stints with the Colts, Cowboys and Vikings. He last played a game in 2024 and announced his retirement in April.
Though Gilmore is enjoying his time at home with his wife and kids, he hinted that his career in football might not be over.
“I still know a lot about the game,” Gilmore said. “I see a lot of guys playing nowadays, I think they can learn from older guys that played the game and see the game through different lenses. But right now I’m enjoying the family and if the right opportunity comes, I’ll be ready to fill it.”
