Former Bills first-round pick Stephon Gilmore retires from NFL
Stephon Gilmore is retiring from the NFL. The former Bills’ first-round pick is a multi-time Pro Bowler.
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the game against the New York Jets on September 15, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 37-31. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Stephon Gilmore with the tenth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Today, he announced his retirement from the NFL. Gilmore made one Pro Bowl with the Bills in five seasons, picking off five passes in 2016 before signing a huge free agent contract with the New England Patriots. It was there his career really blossomed, with two first-team All-Pro nods, two Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year award to go alongside a Lombardi trophy.
He spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. Gilmore didn’t play during the 2025 season. Here is the video Gilmore shared on social media: 🙏🏾 pic.
twitter. com/o2KI8rOHih — The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) April 2, 2026 Stephon Gilmore’s career with the Buffalo Bills Gilmore was selected in the first round by the Bills in 2012, the second cornerback off the board. He slotted into the starting lineup immediately opposite Aaron Williams in a group that included George Wilson and Jairus Byrd at safety and Terrence McGee in the mix.