Former South Carolina Gamecock safety and longtime NFL cornerback Stephon Gilmore has officially retired from the league. Although Gilmore had previously announced his retirement in April of this year, his former team, the New England Patriots made it extra special for him.
The Patriots allowed Gilmore to sign a commemorative contact with New England so that he could retire as a Patriot. The Rock Hill, S.C. native spent four seasons with New England from 2017-2020.
EVP Eliot Wolf introduces Stephon Gilmore, who signs a commemorative contract to retire with the Patriots. pic.twitter.com/WEHuf1Q7I7
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 18, 2026
As a member of the Patriots, he helped New England win Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams. He was a starter in that game, and had five solo tackles as well as a game-sealing interception in the game's fourth quarter:
Stephon Gilmore dándole el SEXTO VINCE LOMBARDI a los Patriots con su INT. pic.twitter.com/7awRMG2QNf
— Nación Patriota (@nacionpatriots) September 17, 2026
He also helped the Patriots go to the Super Bowl with a game-clinching interception in the AFC Championship against Jacksonville. His six interceptions he had in 2019 along with 20 passes defended finished first in the NFL, adding another 53 solo stops. He also didn't miss a single game in New England during his 2018 and 2019 seasons.
"I had great early years of my career, but I think once I came to New England, I really grew into myself mentally, physically… I got so much better as a player," Gilmore said via the Patriots. "I had great coaches, and I was around a lot of great veteran players that really helped me elevate my game. I had my best years here and I learned a lot here. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't come to this franchise."
Over his 13 seasons, he finished with 617 total tackles, 32 interceptions and eight forced fumbles. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro in 2018 and 2019, and made five Pro Bowls across his career. He was drafted No. 10 overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft, and spent five seasons with the Bills, before going to New England.
From 2021-2024, he played for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Across his three seasons with the Gamecocks from 2009-2011, he accounted for 181 total tackles with eight interceptions and four forced fumbles. During his senior season in Columbia, he helped South Carolina finish 11-2 with a Capital One Bowl win over Nebraska. He was a first-team All-SEC corner in 2010, and a third-team All-American the same season.
Congrats to Gilmore for retiring as a Patriot!
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