Former New England Patriots cornerback Stefon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL via Instagram.
Gilmore played for the Patriots from 2017 to 2021. He was a key player for the Patriots during his time in New England, as he received several accolades. Most notably, he was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
The quarter was signed as a major free agent from the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He was able to immediately add a playmaking presence to the Patriots’ secondary upon arrival. He had some strong years in New England, but was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October 2021 after battling injuries towards the end of his time with the Patriots.
Now, he’s hanging up the cleats for good.
Former #Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore announced that he is officially retiring from the NFL.
Future Hall of Famer ð pic.twitter.com/btMINXQZZq
â Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) April 2, 2026
Gilmore Had Impressive Career As Patriots Star
Gilmoreâs ascent as one of the Patriots’ all-time great corners really began in 2018. He earned his first first-team all-Pro selection, recording 20 past breakups and two interceptions. Many remember Gilmore for his past breakup against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LII. He tracked the ball down, and hauled in the interception at the two- yard line.
If anything, that play was a preview in a way of what was to come.
The 2019 season was when Gilmore really took off. He had one of the best seasons by a corner in Patriots history. He finished the year tied for the lead in interceptions with six. Gilmore also led the NFL in passes defended with 20. He made history by winning the award in the process. He was the first cornerback to win the award since Charles Woodson did so in 2009.
2020 was a bit of a change. The corner suffered through quadriceps injuries late in the year. On top of this, Gilmore and the Patriots’ front office suffered a contract dispute. Even still, Gilmore remained productive. He played in 11 games and recorded three passes defended, 37 total tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October 2021 for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Nevertheless, it was hard to put into words how much he meant to the Patriotsâ organization during his time in New England. In just 56 regular-season games, Gilmore recorded 11 interceptions and 52 passes defended.
Gilmore Earned His Place Among Patriots Greats
The corner would end up finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He played in 15 games and recorded one interception. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, starting all 17 games that year, and tallying 54 tackles and two interceptions.
Gilmore undoubtedly has a case to be placed among the top corners in Patriots history. The Patriots have a long-standing reputation for developing corner talent. From past players like Ty Law, to current players like Christian Gonzalez, the organization values the position. Gilmore was a key piece for the Patriots organization during this time, and was one of the top free-agent signings of the Bill Belichick era. Now, you can ride off into the sunset after an impressive and lengthy career.
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