Stephon Gilmore Retires as a Patriot After 13 NFL Seasons

Stephon Gilmore, a two-time All-Pro cornerback and the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, officially retired from the league on Friday by signing a one-day contract with the New England Patriots. The ceremony allowed Gilmore to end his 13-year career with the franchise where he achieved his greatest success. Gilmore, 35, spent four seasons with the Patriots from 2017 to 2020, a period during which he solidified his status as one of the game's elite defenders. He was instrumental in New England's Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams, intercepting quarterback Jared Goff late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. In 2019, he became the first player in Patriots history to be named the league's Defensive Player of the Year, leading the NFL with six interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. "I had my best years here. I learned a lot here. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't come to this franchise," Gilmore said, explaining his decision to retire as a Patriot. He credited the team's culture and veteran players, such as Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and the McCourty twins, for helping him elevate his game.