Stephon Gilmore has called time on his football career after 13 seasons.
The All-Pro cornerback hasn't played in the NFL since the 2024 season but will return to the New England Patriots to retire on Friday.
Although he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, where he spent the first five seasons of his career, it was in Foxborough where he really developed into one of the best cornerbacks of his era.
In four seasons in New England, he was named to the Pro Bowl on three occasions and played his role in the latter years of the Patriots dynasty of the 2010s, winning Super Bowl LIII.
The 2018 and 2019 seasons were his best years as a pro, where he was named a first-team All-Pro on both occasions.
In 2019, with six interceptions, 20 passes defended and not a signle touchdown allowed, Gilmore was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
He shined under the biggest lights in Super Bowl LIII when he helped the Patriots defense limit the Los Angeles Rams to just three points on offense.
He also helped seal championship glory for Tom Brady and co with a key interception in the fourth quarter.
He becomes the latest ex-Patriot to announce his retirement, joining former teammate Eric Rowe, who called time on his career three years after he final NFL appearance.
Hall of Fame worthy?
In New England, Gilmore's No. 24 became iconic, and also put him in the conversation with the likes of Ty Law and Darrelle Revis as iconic cornerbacks to don that number on the back of their jerseys.
Gilmore became somewhat of a journeyman toward the end of his career, suiting up for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings in his final four seasons.
His last game came with the Vikings in the 2024 NFC Wild Card in a 27-9 loss to the Rams where he recorded a defended pass and two tackles.
In his 13-year career, Gilmore recorded 617 total tackles (521 solo), nine tackles for loss, one sack, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
He also had 32 interceptions, including two pick-sixes, and 149 pass breakups in 180 career games.
But there is no denying that his prime years were played under Bill Belichick.
Now aged 35, his return to Boston is simply the beginning, with him certain to one day receive his red jacket and be inducted into The Patriots Hall of Fame.
Maybe he will even one day get his hands on a Gold Jacket and head to Canton, Ohio.
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