Stephon Gilmore announces retirement after 13 NFL seasons
Gilmore won a Super Bowl with the Patriots and was voted 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.
Longtime cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement after 13 NFL seasons. In a message on Instagram , the 35-year-old Gilmore thanked the game of football, his family and the fans he played in front of for 189 regular season and playoff games. “To my first love, Football — 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.
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. To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams. To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today.
To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. And to the fans—thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.
” The Buffalo Bills selected Gilmore out of South Carolina with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He would be a regular on defense and earn the first of his five trips to the Pro Bowl in 2016, which would be his final season with the team. 🙏🏾 pic.