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Two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore retires as member of Patriots

PUBLISHED Sep 18, 2026, 1:01 PM ET

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Two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore retires as member of Patriots

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 34

Left 3%

Center 94%

Right 3%

Sources: 34

Former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore returned to Foxborough to sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a member of the New England Patriots. The 35-year-old defensive standout previously announced the conclusion of his 13-year NFL career after playing the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings. Selected tenth overall in the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Bills, Gilmore established himself as a premier defensive player before joining the Patriots in 2017. During his four seasons in New England, he earned two consecutive All-Pro selections and secured the franchise's lone Super Bowl title in 2018 with a game-clinching interception. In 2019, he became the first player in franchise history to win the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. His ceremonial retirement honors his peak professional years with the organization, concluding a decorated career spanning multiple teams across the league.

By Haya | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On April 26 2012 Buffalo Bills selected Stephon Gilmore tenth overall in draft.
On March 9 2017 Stephon Gilmore signed a free-agent contract with Patriots.
On February 3 2019 Stephon Gilmore secured game-clinching interception in Super Bowl LIII.
On February 1 2020 Stephon Gilmore won AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
On October 6 2020 New England Patriots traded Stephon Gilmore to Carolina Panthers.
On April 15 2022 Indianapolis Colts signed veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for season.
On July 25 2023 Dallas Cowboys acquired veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore via trade.
On August 18 2024 Minnesota Vikings signed veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for season.
On April 2 2025 Stephon Gilmore announced his professional football retirement via Instagram.
On September 18 2026 Stephon Gilmore signed one-day contract retiring as Patriot.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Patriots fans celebrate franchise history and legendary defensive player legacy.
Possible long-term US impact: Cornerback sets standard for modern secondary defensive play excellence.
Most affected groups: New England Patriots, sports fans, NFL analysts, defensive players.
Reader priority: Focus on official team statements rather than unverified social posts.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 34
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 32

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighted career achievements, community impact, and historic defensive player milestones. Center: Emphasized official team announcements, contract details, and career statistics. Right: Focused on traditional values, competitive grit, and franchise loyalty.