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Super Bowl champion Stephon Gilmore announced Thursday that he is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons in the league.
Gilmore, 35, made the announcement in an Instagram post. He has shared several career highlights from his college and NFL days.
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Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore defends against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on January 13, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
“As a scrappy young 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,” the collage captioned the photo.
“From my first game with the 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.”
He thanked his family and coaches for their support throughout his career.
NFL QUARTERBACK CHRIS STREVELER RETIRES AT 31
New England Patriots defensive back Stephon Gilmore stands on the field before a game against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on August 9, 2018. (Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)
“And to the fans, thank you for your support. I’ve had an incredible 13 years in the League and I can’t wait to see what this next chapter has in store for us,” he added.
The Buffalo Bills selected Gilmore 10th overall in the 2012 draft out of South Carolina. He played five seasons with the Bills and earned his first Pro Bow election in his final year there in 2016.
Gilmore became a superstar defensive back with the New England Patriots. In 2018, he was in high school when the Patriots won the Super Bowl. He led the NFL with six interceptions in 2019 and won the Defensive Player of the Year award.
He went on to play for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings over the final four years of his career. He did not play in 2025.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore defends against the New England Patriots at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York on October 30, 2016. (Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports)
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He finished his career with 617 tackles, 32 interceptions and two interceptions returned for a touchdown. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
