stephon gilmore announced his immediate retirement on April 2, ending a 13-season NFL career at age 35. The cornerback made the announcement in a post to his Instagram account, calling the moment the start of a “next chapter. ” The decision closes a career that included a Super Bowl win with the New England Patriots and major individual honors, including a Defensive Player of the Year award.
What happened and when
The retirement announcement was made on April 2 (ET), with stephon gilmore sharing the news on Instagram and describing the transition as immediate. “I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds, ” he wrote.
In the same message, he thanked the people closest to his football journey. “To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams, ” he wrote, adding thanks to his parents, coaches, and fans for their support through his career.
Career timeline and the numbers that close the book
Over 13 NFL seasons, stephon gilmore played for six teams: the Buffalo Bills (2012–16), New England Patriots (2017–20), Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. He entered the league as the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft.
His career résumé includes a Super Bowl victory with New England in 2018, five Pro Bowl selections, and recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 by the Pro Football Writers Association and The Sporting News. In 2019, he also led the NFL with six interceptions.
Statistically, he retires with 32 interceptions for 496 yards and two touchdowns. His defensive production also includes 617 tackles (521 solo), nine tackles for a loss, and one sack in 180 NFL games. He finished his career with 149 passes defended, a total that stands as the 12th-most since 1999, when the statistic became official.
Immediate reactions: teammates and peers respond
Benjamin Watson, former NFL tight end, responded directly to the Instagram post with a message that underscored the personal weight of the moment.
“You made Rock Hill proud, ” Watson wrote. “Congratulations lil bro. I’m honored to have shared the locker room and field with you even for a season. The best is yet to come. May the Lord guide you and your family as you navigate this transition. Stay connected. Keep pressing on. Love you. ”
Quick context: the moments that defined the Patriots years
After five seasons in Buffalo, stephon gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots that included $40 million guaranteed. In the AFC championship game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his first season in New England, he broke up a pass in a decisive moment that helped send the team to a second straight Super Bowl.
In his only Super Bowl appearance against the Los Angeles Rams, his interception of quarterback Jared Goff was described as instrumental in the Patriots’ 13–3 victory.
What’s next
stephon gilmore framed the decision as a pivot toward life beyond the field, writing that he “cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds. ” For now, no post-playing plans were announced in the Instagram messages cited, and there were no additional official statements included beyond the retirement post and reactions on social media. The next developments to watch are any public comments expanding on his retirement timeline and what role—if any—football will have in his life after this immediate exit.
