Patriots Super Bowl Champion, DPOY Announces Retirement

After a successful 13-year career in the NFL, including a Super Bowl LIII ring, former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is hanging his cleats up.

The legendary shutdown defender announced his retirement on social media, sharing that he's excited for his next journey. He spent parts of five seasons in New England, winning two conference titles and securing the franchise's sixth Super Bowl title in 2018.

"To my first love, Football," he wrote on Instagram. "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. 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."

Gilmore's Career Recap:

Gilmore was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick in 2012. After five seasons, he signed a five-year, $65 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. At the time, for that price, it was seen to be a vast overpay. Gilmore quickly quieted the naysayers in 2017.

Although he started his New England tenure slow, he turned it around to form a lethal 1-2 punch in the secondary with Malcolm Butler. His crowning moment that year -- a game-sealing pass breakup in the AFC title game over the Jacksonville Jaguars -- sent the Patriots to their second-straight Super Bowl.

Jan 21, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One year later, he became even more entrenched as the team's top cover corner en route to the Super Bowl once again. This time, his leaping interception against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff was the crowning moment in the 13-3 victory.

"To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams," Gilmore continued. "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."

2019 Was His Best Year

In 2019, Gilmore became a weapon defensively. He finished the season with a league-high six interceptions (two of them returned for touchdowns) and was named the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year. In 2020, he had a down year, but was still named to the Pro Bowl. He was placed on the phyiscally unable to perform list the following August, and traded to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth-round pick.

Gilmore ended his career with stints with the Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. He'll be eligible for induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2030.

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