Decorated cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35.
Gilmore played for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and – most recently – the Minnesota Vikings.
He was picked 10th overall by the Bills in the 2012 NFL draft and went on to win a host of accolades including Super Bowl LIII and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned five Pro-Bowl selections.
Back in February 2019, Gilmore helped the Patriots lift the Lombardi trophy with victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He made a critical interception in a standout defensive performance as New England won 13-3.
Seven years on, Gilmore announced he was hanging up his cleats.
‘I have had an incredible 13 years in the league,’ he said in a statement on Thursday. ‘I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.’
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35
Gilmore helped the New England Patriots lift the Lombardi trophy with victory in Super Bowl LIII
The 35-year-old, seen here chatting with Tom Brady, won a host of accolades during his career
Gilmore wrote: ‘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.
‘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.’
