After 13 years in the NFL, former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore has decided to close the door on his pro football career.
On Thursday, Gilmore shared a video and a message on his personal Instagram account to announce that his time in the NFL has reached the end.
"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.
GillyLock Out.🔒 ✌🏾"
Former Minnesota Vikings CB Stephon Gilmore retires from NFL
The last time we saw Gilmore on an NFL field and in a game was actually when he was a member of the Vikings.
He was one of Minnesota's two starting corners when the team took on the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Unfortunately, the Vikings left the field with a loss in the matchup, and that turned out to be Gilmore's final appearance in the NFL.
He only wound up spending one season with Minnesota, and despite it being his 13th year in the league, he still put up pretty solid numbers.
In 15 starts for the Vikings in 2024, he accumulated 56 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception. That lone pick also came during a pivotal moment in Minnesota's 2024 campaign, as it helped seal a victory for the purple and gold in a Week 5 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
Prior to his time with the Vikings, Gilmore had stints around the league with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills.
His four seasons with the Patriots between 2017 and 2020 were when he really emerged as one of the top corners in the entire league.
During that four-year period, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro selections, won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019, and helped lead New England to a win over the Rams in Super Bowl 53.