{"id":850388,"date":"2026-04-03T01:03:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T01:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/850388\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T01:03:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T01:03:26","slug":"ex-viking-and-5-time-pro-bowler-calls-it-quits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/850388\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex-Viking and 5-Time Pro Bowler Calls It Quits"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"StephonMinnesota Vikings defensive back Stephon Gilmore (2) celebrates with teammate Shaquill Griffin (1) after securing a fourth-quarter interception, energizing the sideline and shifting momentum late in the contest Oct 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, during an NFL International Series matchup against the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, and Gilmore\u2019s non-participation last year was a precursor, as the Super Bowl champion cornerback retired on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Gilmore\u2019s Vikings stint was brief, but it became the final stop in a decorated NFL run.<\/p>\n

When it was all said and done, the Vikings were Gilmore\u2019s last stop.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Ended Up as Gilmore\u2019s Last NFL Chapter<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 13 impressive seasons for the two-time All-Pro.<\/p>\n

\"StephonCarolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) walks off the field following game action, reflecting on performance as players exit in cold-weather conditions Dec 19, 2021, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, after a matchup against the Buffalo Bills with postseason implications shaping the late-season environment. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports.<\/p>\n

Gilmore Retires<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a wrap for the veteran corner. USA Today\u2018s Jacob Camenker wrote<\/a>, \u201cStephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler who won the NFL\u2019s 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<\/a> 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGilmore 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\u2019s biggest stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll now be Hall of Fame-eligible in four years.<\/p>\n

The Message<\/p>\n

Gilmore personally said goodbye<\/a> on Instagram: \u201cTo my first love, Football \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gilmore is 35, and the Dallas Cowboys were rumored to be a destination for his services last season.<\/p>\n

\"StephonStephon Gilmore stands on the practice field after joining Minnesota, taking part in early team activities as coaches and teammates integrate the veteran defender into the system Aug 19, 2024, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, following his signing with the Vikings ahead of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.<\/p>\n

Gilmore concluded in the social media post, \u201cTo 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\u2014thank 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Career<\/p>\n

When it was all written, Gilmore put this resume on paper:<\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills (2012\u20132016)<\/p>\n

New England Patriots (2017\u20132021)<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers (2021)<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts (2022)<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys (2023)<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings (2024)<\/p>\n

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<\/a> with the Patriots.<\/p>\n

Gilmore became a journeyman in the final section of his career, playing for five teams in five seasons from 2020 to 2024.<\/p>\n

SI.com\u2018s Mike D\u2019Abate on his Gilmore\u2019s Patriot tenure<\/a>: \u201cKnown for his often stoic, yet intense demeanor, Gilmore led by example each time he wore shoulder pads. Affectionately dubbed \u2018The Gilly Lock,\u2019 he was proficient at both containing, and in some cases \u2026 erasing, the production of an opposing team\u2019s top reciever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gilmore won his Super Bowl ring in the 2018 season when the Patriots took down the Rams. <\/p>\n

D\u2019Abate added, \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Stop in MIN<\/p>\n

The Vikings\u2019 cornerback group was struck by significant misfortune in the summer of 2024. Rookie Khyree Jackson tragically died in a car accident, and Mekhi Blackmon<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n

\"StephonMinnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (2) steps in front of a pass and secures an interception, cutting off the route and turning upfield as defenders react in a late-game sequence Oct 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom, during a matchup against the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> chose not to re-sign Gilmore, who has remained a free agent until his retirement on Thursday.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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