Two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday at age 35. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year spent 13 seasons with five different teams, finishing his career with 32 interceptions and 149 passes defended. Gilmore made the announcement through an Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his time in the league.

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Gilmore established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. His peak came with the New England Patriots from 2017-2020, where he earned All-Pro honors in 2018 and 2019 while leading the NFL with six interceptions and 20 passes defended in his DPOY season. He won Super Bowl LIII with New England in 2018, contributing two interceptions and five passes defended during the postseason run.

Gilmore's career took him to the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings before going unsigned in 2025. Despite not playing last season, his legacy as one of the NFL's elite shutdown corners remains secure. His five Pro Bowl selections and consistent excellence over more than a decade cement his place among the great cornerbacks of his generation.