South Carolina great Stephon Gilmore retiring after 13-year NFL career

Lou Bezjak, The State on Apr 2, 2026

Published in Football

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina Gamecocks great Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after 13 seasons.

Gilmore was out of football this past season and last played for Minnesota in 2024. The Rock Hill native made his announcement on his Instagram, where he thanked friends, family and talked how about his start playing for the Finley Road Falcons.

“As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of six — you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime. From my first game with the 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,” Gilmore wrote. “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.”

Gilmore was a first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL, and he went on to play with six teams, including the New England Patriots, where he enjoyed some of his best years.

Gilmore won a Super Bowl with the Patriots and won Defensive Player of the Year honors when he picked off six passes and had 20 passes defensed.

Gilmore spent a season back in the Carolinas with the Panthers in 2021. For his career, he had 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended and 617 tackles and was selected to five Pro Bowls.

Gilmore won SC Mr. Football, was a highly touted prospect coming out of South Pointe High School and signed with the Gamecocks. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2010.