New England Patriots
“Gilmore was one of the most decorated defensive backs of his generation,” the Patriots said.
Stephon Gilmore. AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File
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FOXBOROUGH — Stephon Gilmore will return to Gillette Stadium on Friday afternoon to officially retire as a Patriot, according to a news release from the team.
“Gilmore was one of the most decorated defensive backs of his generation,” the release reads. “He earned five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors during his 13-year NFL career.”
“In four seasons with New England, he helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII, sealing the victory with a late fourth-quarter interception. In 2019, he became the first player in franchise history to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“That season, he led the NFL with six interceptions, including two that he returned for touchdowns. He also recorded a career-high 20 passes defensed in consecutive seasons for the Patriots. In 2019, his contributions helped the Patriots finish first in the NFL in total defense (275.9 yards per game) for the first time in franchise history and lead the league by allowing just 14.1 points per game.
Gilmore, 35, announced his retirement in April. He had stints with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings after his time with the Patriots, but none lasted longer than one year. His last season in the NFL was in 2024.
He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Bills before spending four seasons with the Patriots. He’s scheduled to speak at 2:10 p.m. on Friday afternoon after Mike Vrabel has his regularly-scheduled press conference.
Legendary tight-end Rob Gronkowski signed a one-day contract with the Patriots last year to officially retire as a Patriot. Gilmore’s ceremony will take place two months before Gronkowski is inducted to the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Gilmore recorded 617 tackles, 32 interceptions, and eight sacks over his 13-year NFL career. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native starred at University of South Carolina before embarking on his NFL journey.
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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