Stephon Gilmore announces NFL retirement after 13 seasons
Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler who won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019, is officially retiring after a 13-year NFL career.
Gilmore announced his retirement in an Instagram post - dedicated to his "first love, football" - on April 2.
"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," Gilmore wrote, referencing football. "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."
Gilmore went on to thank his wife, children, parents and coaches before saving his final sign-off for his fans.
"Thank you for your support," Gilmore wrote. "I have had an incredible 13 years in the League and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds."
- The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) April 2, 2026
Gilmore was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent the first five years of his career with the Bills, making the Pro Bowl in his final season in Buffalo before joining the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2016.
Gilmore enjoyed the best years of his career with the Patriots. He quickly blossomed into an All-Pro in Bill Belichick's defense and won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019 after logging a league-high six interceptions.
Gilmore played in two Super Bowls with the Patriots, losing one (Super Bowl 52 against the Philadelphia Eagles) and winning one (Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams). He had a combined nine tackles and five pass defenses across his two appearances on the NFL's biggest stage.
Gilmore played one season each for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings after leaving the Patriots following the 2020 campaign. He didn't play in 2025 after failing to land a contract in free agency.
Stephon Gilmore statsBelow is a look at Gilmore's stats across his 13-season NFL career.
- Games: 180
- Tackles: 617
- TFL: 9
- Sacks: 1
- Forced fumbles: 8
- INTs: 32
- Pass defenses: 149
- Defensive TDs: 2
Gilmore was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and twice was named an All-Pro first teamer during his career.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year retires after 13 seasons