Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who had the best years of his storied career during his stint in Foxborough that saw him attain three Pro Bowl nods and two first team All-Pro nominations alongside a Defensive Player of the Year win in 2019 – not to mention winning Super Bowl LIII at the culmination of the 2018 season – just announced his retirement on April 2.
Not only was the choice of date significant to the extent that it was taken seroiusly – something it may not have been had it been done the day prior on April Fools’, but it comes over a year since Gilmore last played a snap in the NFL, having sat out the entirety of the 2025 season.
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Despite Gilmore’s comparatively short career with the team – having only played four seasons in the North East – he remains easily one of the greatest corners in franchise history, and was nominated to the Patriots’ All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
And multiple former players, fans and media had some words to say about the 35-year old’s illustrious playing career.
Ex-Teammates Line Up to Congratulate Stephon Gilmore on His Career
Ex-teammate and former Patriots cornerback turned analyst Jason McCourty, who played with Gilmore in New England from 2018 to 2020 had some words to share Gilmore, noting that he believes the former first round pick’s career is Hall of Fame worthy.
“An honor to line up alongside your bro! ” McCourty said on X. “Thanks for extending my career by allowing me to guard 2nd best WR every week!
Congrats on a HOF career!”
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Fellow Patriots teammate Marquis Flowers, who overlapped with Gilmore in the 2017 season, also had some kind things to say in the aftermath of his retirement decision
“Congrats my G @bumpnrungilmore enjoy that next chapter”, Flowers commented on Gilmore’s retirement post on Instagram, “best corner I ever played with, it was an honor”.
Jordy McElroy, managing editor of Patriots Wire, also weighed in on Gilmore’s ability and contribution to the team at the end of the last decade.
“A generational talent. Stephon Gilmore, former Patriots Defensive Player of the Year award winner and Super Bowl champion, is retiring.” McElroy wrote.
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Even Patriots On SI’s own Mike D’Abate had his own thoughts on the big decision.
“Stephon Gilmore was always the consummate pro and it was my honor to cover him during his tenure with the Patriots”, D’Abate wrote. “…congrats to one of the best and classiest to ever do it”
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi as Former Patriots Teammates React to Stephon Gilmore’s Retirement.
