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New England Patriots: How Stephon Gilmore took No. 24 from Cyrus Jones

By Brian Hines

Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC (red) cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) reacts after incepting a pass against the NFC during the first half of the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC (red) cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) reacts after incepting a pass against the NFC during the first half of the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Newly acquired Stephon Gilmore wanted to keep the No.24 as a member of the New England Patriots. Here’s how he got it.

When safety Adrian Wilson was brought to the New England Patriots four years ago, it took some bargaining to acquire No. 24 from cornerback Kyle Arrington. In exchange for the number, Wilson supplied Arrington with a years worth of diapers.

Fast forward to now, things came quite easier for Stephon Gilmore when trying to acquire No. 24 from Cyrus Jones.

"“I just asked him could we do it,” Gilmore said Thursday to Doug Kyed of NESN.com. “We just came to the conclusion that we were going to switch, and he was (down) to do it, so I was happy for it.”"

After starting his career in Buffalo with No. 27, Gilmore wore 24 from 2013 to 2016. The number has a special meaning for him, as many players he idolizes wore the number in their playing days.

"“I just always wanted the number,” Gilmore said to Kyed. “That’s what number a lot of guys I looked up to wore, so that’s one number I always loved. …“People from my hometown like Jonathan Joseph, Sheldon Brown’s from my hometown, Champ Bailey was one of my favorites. I guess I always loved the number growing up.”"

Since the Patriots were founded in 1960, plenty of pro-bowl cornerbacks have donned No. 24. Dick Felt used the number in the 1960’s while Ty Law sported it from 1995 to 2004.

"“(Law) was a great player, made a lot of good plays in the league,” Gilmore said to Kyed. “Hall of Fame player, his name speaks for itself.”"

In most recent years, Darrelle Revis wore it during the 2014 season, while winning Super Bowl XLIX.

"“(Revis is) a great player,” Gilmore said to Kyed. “He did a lot of great things in the league, so he’s another great one that wore the number.”"

Next: Post-NFL Draft AFC East Power Rankings

For now, Gilmore will try to etch his name with the other legends who rocked No. 24. As for Cyrus Jones, it appears he will be switching to No. 41 for his second season.

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