One of the NFL's best cornerbacks of his generation is officially calling it a career. Five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore will retire from the NFL on Friday as a member of the New England Patriots, according to Ari Meirov.
It's a fitting ending for a player who enjoyed the best years of his career in New England. Gilmore joined the Patriots in 2017 and quickly developed into one of the league's premier shutdown cornerbacks. He earned consecutive first-team All-Pro selections in 2018 and 2019, with his second season ending in the ultimate individual honor.
Gilmore was named the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the league lead with six interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. He became the first player in Patriots history to win the award.
His New England legacy goes well beyond individual accolades.
Gilmore helped the Patriots capture Super Bowl LIII, delivering one of the game's biggest plays when he intercepted Jared Goff late in the fourth quarter of New England's 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He eventually left New England in 2021 and continued his career with several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings.
However, Gilmore will always be remembered primarily for what he accomplished in a Patriots uniform. Returning to New England to officially retire provides a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career.
And considering his Super Bowl ring, Defensive Player of the Year award, and two first-team All-Pro selections with the franchise, Gilmore has certainly built a compelling case to eventually receive another big honor from the Patriots.
For now, one of the defining cornerbacks of his era gets to end his career where he reached his peak.
The Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers meet for a Week 2 clash.