Ex-Viking and 5-Time Pro Bowler Calls It Quits
NFL fans kept waiting for five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore to sign somewhere in 2025, but it never happened. Fast forward a couple of months into the offseason, and Gilmore’s non-participation last year was a precursor, as the Super Bowl champion cornerback retired on Thursday.
Gilmore’s Vikings stint was brief, but it became the final stop in a decorated NFL run.
When it was all said and done, the Vikings were Gilmore’s last stop.
Minnesota Ended Up as Gilmore’s Last NFL Chapter
It’s 13 impressive seasons for the two-time All-Pro.
Gilmore Retires
That’s a wrap for the veteran corner. USA Today‘s Jacob Camenker wrote, “Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler who won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019, is officially retiring after a 13-year NFL career. Gilmore was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent the first five years of his career with the Bills, making the Pro Bowl in his final season in Buffalo before joining the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2016.”
“Gilmore played in two Super Bowls with the Patriots, losing one (Super Bowl 52 against the Philadelphia Eagles) and winning one (Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams). He had a combined nine tackles and five pass defenses across his two appearances on the NFL’s biggest stage.”
He’ll now be Hall of Fame-eligible in four years.
The Message
Gilmore personally said goodbye on Instagram: “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.”
Gilmore is 35, and the Dallas Cowboys were rumored to be a destination for his services last season.
Gilmore concluded in the social media post, “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. GillyLock Out.”
The Career
When it was all written, Gilmore put this resume on paper:
- Buffalo Bills (2012–2016)
- New England Patriots (2017–2021)
- Carolina Panthers (2021)
- Indianapolis Colts (2022)
- Dallas Cowboys (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2024)
He appeared in 180 games, starting 173, tabulating 32 career interceptions, 617 total tackles, a reputation as one of the best cornerbacks of his era, in addition to the aforementioned five Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pros, and Super Bowl championship with the Patriots.
Gilmore became a journeyman in the final section of his career, playing for five teams in five seasons from 2020 to 2024.
SI.com‘s Mike D’Abate on his Gilmore’s Patriot tenure: “Known for his often stoic, yet intense demeanor, Gilmore led by example each time he wore shoulder pads. Affectionately dubbed ‘The Gilly Lock,’ he was proficient at both containing, and in some cases … erasing, the production of an opposing team’s top reciever.”
“When making a play on the ball, Gilmore relied on a precision possessed by few of his peers. While the Patriots unquestionably missed the prowess Gilmore was able to bring to the field after his departure in 2021, his experience and veteran presence continued to hold an influential place in New England.”
Gilmore won his Super Bowl ring in the 2018 season when the Patriots took down the Rams.
D’Abate added, “As a matter of fact, they have held a peripheral role in the development of cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, and Carlton Davis. Gilmore could usually be expected to provide both praise and words of encouragement to the current Pats corners throughout the season via social media.”
The Stop in MIN
The Vikings’ cornerback group was struck by significant misfortune in the summer of 2024. Rookie Khyree Jackson tragically died in a car accident, and Mekhi Blackmon, entering his second year, suffered a torn ACL during training camp. Seeking immediate stability, the Vikings signed Gilmore, who, at age 34, was still performing at a reasonably high level, at least compared to his Vikings peers.
Gilmore ultimately earned a 63.9 Pro Football Focus grade and allowed a passer rating of 94.1. However, the front office opted for a different approach during the 2025 offseason. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah chose not to re-sign Gilmore, who has remained a free agent until his retirement on Thursday.
Fans remember Gilmore with high esteem. He even sealed a 2024 win in London with a game-ending interception of Aaron Rodgers, who played for the New York Jets at the time.
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