Twitter reacts to legendary CB Stephon Gilmore retiring from NFL

Apr 03, 2026 - 19:45

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Twitter reacts to legendary CB Stephon Gilmore retiring from NFL

Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement on Thursday afternoon via Instagram.

Gilmore was already a Pro Bowl cornerback before arriving in New England, but he took his game to another level with the Patriots. He helped the team win its sixth Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LIII, and he also won the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

By the end of his 13-year career, Gilmore proved himself to be an all-around elite cornerback with an argument for a future Hall of Fame induction. Along with the Super Bowl and defensive MVP award, he was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro player.

After leaving New England, Gilmore had one-year pit stops with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. At 35 years old, he is finally deciding to hang up the cleats and close the chapter on his football career.

The NFL world will have to wait to find out what's next, but until then, social media has been flooded with memories and comments relating to Gilmore's incredible career. Here's how people reacted to the news of Gilmore's retirement:

Stephon Gilmore was the Gold Standard for the Cornerback position for about half a decade.

DPOY, Super Bowl Champion, Multiple 1st Team All-Pros…

Truly a legendary career pic.twitter.com/ujScYWS8LD
— Max Loeb (@loebsleads) April 2, 2026

Former #Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore announced that he is officially retiring from the NFL.

Future Hall of Famer 🔒 pic.twitter.com/btMINXQZZq
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) April 2, 2026

gonzo is amazing but stephon gilmore's ball production really sets him apart

best corner in my lifetime pic.twitter.com/kFImX3812F
— MayeIsKing (@MayeIsKing_) April 2, 2026

Thank you for everything Stephon Gilmore ❤️ https://t.co/ED81WI2Q6k pic.twitter.com/jnykKiNxZW
— 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙈𝙚  (@JusMe___) April 2, 2026

Throwback to the game deciding INT by Stephon Gilmore in Super Bowl LIII

Thank you for everything ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/Z4hQTidfK0
— DomThePatsFan (@domthepatsfan) April 3, 2026

Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement today.

For a few years in New England, throwing at him felt like a mistake. 2019 DPOY, cornerstone of a championship defense, and one of the best CBs this franchise has ever had. pic.twitter.com/Y4GhDR7alo
— Foxborough Fellas Podcast (@FoxFellasPod) April 2, 2026

From Defensive Player of the Year to shadowing WR1s every Sunday, that was elite technique, patience, and IQ on display. Respect to one of the best to ever do it. 🐐
— TheRave🥀 (@meekrose) April 2, 2026