Stephon Gilmore
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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
In a long and winding career that included a stop with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, Stephon Gilmore made a big impression everywhere he played.
Gilmore decided to end his NFL career after 13 seasons on Thursday, announcing his retirement on his official Instagram account.
“To my first love, football — As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 — you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime,” Gilmore wrote. “From my first game with Finley Road Falcons to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself. To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams. To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today. To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. And to the fans — thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.”
Gilmore was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year with the New England Patriots in 2019, 1 year after he helped lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl win.
He played for the Cowboys in 2023 and started all 17 regular-season games. Gilmore ends his NFL career as a 2-time NFL All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler, and with approximately $122.6 million in career earnings.
The Gilly Lock
Teams Ignored Gilmore’s Pleas in 2025
Gilmore last played in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, and it appeared teams ignored his pleas to sign with another team and play in 2025.
“I want to play this year, it’s just got to be the right situation,” Gilmore said on The Money Down Podcast in July 2025. “It’s got to be the right situation for me. I’m not just gonna sign anywhere … I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.”
Gilmore Ended Career as NFL Journeyman
Gilmore, 34 years old, had been one of the NFL’s elite shutdown cornerbacks since he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Gilmore made his first Pro Bowl with the Bills in 2016 then signed a 5-year, $65 million free-agent contract with the New England Patriots in 2017.
He earned his first NFL All-Pro nod in 2018 as he helped lead New England to a Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams. In 2019, he became the first cornerback in a decade to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year after he led the NFL with 6 interceptions, including 2 returned for touchdowns.
Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, signed a 2-year, $20 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, and was traded to the Cowboys in 2023. The Vikings were his fifth team in 5 years.
With Minnesota in 2024, Gilmore made 15 starts and finished with 59 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 1 interception.
“I learned about this sport every time I talked toStephon Gilmore,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote. “One of the most accountable, insightful and real players I’ve been around. And arguably a Hall-of-Famer to boot.”