{"id":850003,"date":"2026-04-02T20:59:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/850003\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T20:59:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:59:17","slug":"vikings-former-cb-announces-retirement-from-nfl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/850003\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings’ Former CB Announces Retirement From NFL"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Stephon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Stephon Gilmore #2 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Former Minnesota Vikings<\/a> CB Stephon Gilmore has officially announced his retirement from the National Football League.<\/p>\n

Gilmore made a great impact on the NFL, and was one of the league premier corners from the late-2010\u2019s to the early 2020\u2019s.<\/p>\n

His list of accomplishments is nothing to scoff at.<\/p>\n

Super Bowl LIII Champion
\n2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
\n5-time Pro-Bowler (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
\n2-time First-Team All Pro (2018, 2019)
\n2019 NFL league-leader in interceptions
\nNew England Patriots<\/a> All-2010s Team
\nNew England Patriots All-Dynasty Team<\/p>\n

The former South Carolina Gamecock took to social media to announce his retirement from pro football.<\/p>\n

CB Stephon Gilmore Steps Away From Football
\n\"Minnesota<\/p>\n

GettyLONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 OCTOBER 06: Stephon Gilmore of Minnesota Vikings looks on during the NFL match between New York Jets<\/a> and Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Former Vikings standout CB Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL in a lengthy social media post.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my first love, Football. <\/p>\n

As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 \u2013 you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime.
From my first game with Finley Road Falcons<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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 l am today; to my coaches, thank you for pouring into me.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

GillyLock Out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gilmore was certainly known more as a New England Patriot or Buffalo Bill more than anything. However, the Vikings will always be the team that Gilmore most recently played for.<\/p>\n

Stephon Gilmore spent 2024 with Minnesota, achieving 40 tackles and 1 interception. His contributions helped a league-top Vikings defense to a 14-3 record. He finishes with 32 total interceptions in his 180 career games played.<\/p>\n

Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Signs With Las Vegas Raiders
\n\"Minnesota<\/p>\n

GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA \u2013 OCTOBER 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the Carolina Panthers<\/a> at Bank of America Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Early Thursday morning, Cousins\u2019 agent, Mike McCartney,\u00a0made the news public in a post on\u00a0<\/a>X.<\/p>\n

Cousins will head to Vegas to mentor Fernando Mendoza, whom will be the Raiders\u2019 selection at 1st overall at the 2026\u00a0NFL<\/a>\u00a0Draft. Ian Rapoport brought up an interesting tid-bit regarding Cousins and the potential that he is the Raiders\u2019 Week 1 starter.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew\u00a0#Raiders<\/a>\u00a0coach Klint Kubiak worked with Kirk Cousins with the\u00a0#Vikings<\/a>\u00a0for three seasons and recently discussed not wanting to rush a young QB onto the field. A day after Fernando Mendoza\u2019s Pro Day, Cousins lands with Las Vegas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Raiders QB room now consists of Kirk Cousins, Aidan O\u2019Connell, and the assumed Fernando Mendoza. This is the first time Cousins will be employed by a team in the AFC.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBrevan Bane<\/a> Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Vikings\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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