The New England Patriots franchise has a lot going for them right now. While the Week 1 loss wasn't fun, this team is the reigning AFC champions and have every bit of a high-end, franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.
While there is a new era, and one that could last quite some time, that doesn't mean we should forget about the greatness that came before. The Patriots franchise is one of the most history-rich in all of sports, and a franchise legend will see his importance to the franchise kick up a notch on Friday.
On Thursday, it was announced that former cornerback and Super Bowl champion, Stephon Gilmore, will return to Foxboro on Friday and retire as a Patriot.
Former New England Patriots' CB Stephon Gilmore to retire a Patriot
Mike Reiss broke the news early Thursday afternoon:
Just announced: CB @BumpNrunGilm0re is returning to Foxboro on Friday to officially retire as a Patriot.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 17, 2026
Gilmore played 13 years in the NFL, but only four with the Patriots. However, in those four seasons, Gilmore made the Pro Bowl three times and obviously won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
Gilmore led the NFL in interceptions and passes defended that year, while also adding 53 total tackles and an absolutely ridiculous 44.1 passer rating allowed in coverage, according to Pro Football Reference.
Gilmore began his career with the Buffalo Bills, and following his time with the Patriots, he suited up for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. He ended his career playing on five different teams in five seasons, but also leaves a lasting legacy as one of the best CBs of this generation.
He finishes with 180 regular season games, 32 interceptions, 149 passes defended, five Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro nods, a Super Bowl title, and the 2019 DPOY. Using data from Pro Football Reference, the average Hall of Fame defensive back has one Super Bowl, three All-Pros, seven Pro Bowls, and 50 interceptions. His 149 PDs rank as the 12th most all-time.
As awesome as Gilmore was, his future HOF candidacy is tight, at best, but his time with the Patriots was some of the best CB play the league has seen in quite some time. It took until the 2024 season for another defensive back, Patrick Surtain II, to win the DPOY.
Gilmore will retire as one of the more accomplished defensive backs of his generation and was a key piece of the back-end of the Patriots' dynasty.
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