Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is officially heading back to Foxborough to retire as a New England Patriot this Friday. This isn’t just some formality either; this is a true legend coming home to cement his legacy, and it’s a fitting end to an incredible career for a guy who was a total game-changer on the field.
Gilmore’s Impact Was Immediate and Immense
Let’s be real: when the Patriots picked up Gilmore in free agency after he started his career with the Buffalo Bills through 2017, it was a move that absolutely paid off. He wasn’t just another guy in the secondary; he helped lead that team to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. And yeah, he was a massive part of that Super Bowl win in 2018. The man was a defensive force, plain and simple, and it’s no wonder he’s considered one of the greatest Patriots defenders of all time.
That 2019 Season Was Absolute Insanity
Talk about peak performance! Gilmore’s best season has to be 2019. The Associated Press named him the Defensive Player of the Year, and you just know why. He racked up six interceptions and busted up 20 passes defended. But get this: he was targeted 101 times and only allowed 51 completions. Even crazier? He allowed *zero* touchdowns that season. Read that again. ZERO. That’s not just good, that’s outright domination, making opposing offenses look absolutely lost.
Gilmore stuck around with the Patriots for a few more seasons after that unbelievable year before getting traded to the Carolina Panthers in the middle of 2021. But now, he’s coming back to make it official, retiring as a Patriot forever. It’s a full-circle moment for one of the most beloved players during his time there, and it’s the perfect way for a defensive beast to close out his playing days.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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