History of Stephon Gilmore in Timeline

Stephon Gilmore is a professional American football cornerback with 13 seasons in the NFL. He played college football at the University of South Carolina, earning All-American and All-SEC honors. Drafted 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, he spent his first five seasons there, making the Pro Bowl in 2016.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 19, 1990: Stephon Gilmore's Birth

On September 19, 1990, Stephon Stiles Gilmore was born.

Others born on this day/year

2004: Dunta Robinson Draft

In 2004, Dunta Robinson was the highest selected Gamecocks' cornerback since selected before Stephon Gilmore in 2012.

December 2008: Early Enrollment at South Carolina

In December 2008, Stephon Gilmore graduated from South Pointe High School early to enroll at the University of South Carolina and participate in spring practice.

2009: Charles Woodson Wins Defensive Player of the Year

In 2009, Charles Woodson won the Defensive Player of the Year award with the Green Bay Packers, marking the last time a cornerback had won the award before Gilmore in 2019.

2009: Freshman Starter at South Carolina

In 2009, Stephon Gilmore appeared in all 12 games for the Gamecocks, becoming a rare true freshman to start at cornerback in the Southeastern Conference.

2009: College Choice

In 2009, Stephon Gilmore, considered a four-star recruit, chose South Carolina over Alabama, Tennessee, and Clemson.

2010: Chick-fil-A Bowl Pass

During the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Stephon Gilmore completed a 29-yard pass to Alshon Jeffery in the 4th quarter.

2010: All-American and All-SEC Honors

In 2010, Stephon Gilmore received third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors while playing college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

March 28, 2012: South Carolina Pro Day

On March 28, 2012, Stephon Gilmore attended South Carolina's pro day, along with other prospects, and performed positional drills for scouts and team representatives from all 32 NFL teams.

May 17, 2012: Signed with Buffalo Bills

On May 17, 2012, Stephon Gilmore signed a four-year, $12.08 million rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills, fully guaranteed with a signing bonus of $7.22 million and a fifth-year option.

September 10, 2012: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 10, 2012, Stephon Gilmore made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the Buffalo Bills' season-opener against the New York Jets.

December 9, 2012: First Career Interception Overturned

On December 9, 2012, Stephon Gilmore had his first career interception on a pass by Sam Bradford, which was overturned due to a holding penalty.

2012: Bills Draft

In 2012, Gilmore started his NFL career after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills.

2012: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

In 2012, Stephon Gilmore was selected 10th overall in the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.

December 31, 2012: Bills Fire Head Coach Chan Gailey

On December 31, 2012, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Chan Gailey after finishing the 2012 NFL season with a 6–10 record.

January 6, 2013: Bills Hire Doug Marrone

On January 6, 2013, the Buffalo Bills hired Doug Marrone as their new head coach.

August 24, 2013: Wrist Injury

On August 24, 2013, Stephon Gilmore injured his wrist during a preseason game against the Washington Redskins.

August 26, 2013: Wrist Fracture Announcement

On August 26, 2013, head coach Doug Marrone announced that Stephon Gilmore had fractured his wrist and would require surgery.

December 18, 2013: First Interception of the Season

On December 18, 2013, Stephon Gilmore made two solo tackles, had two pass deflections, and recorded his first interception of the season on a pass by Mike Glennon to Vincent Jackson during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

January 25, 2014: Jim Schwartz Hired as Defensive Coordinator

On January 25, 2014, the Buffalo Bills hired Jim Schwartz to be their defensive coordinator.

July 12, 2014: Marriage to Gabrielle Glenn

On July 12, 2014, Stephon Gilmore married his college sweetheart, Gabrielle Glenn, who was a collegiate sprinter for University of South Carolina.

September 21, 2014: Season-High Solo Tackles

On September 21, 2014, Stephon Gilmore set a season-high of six solo tackles during a loss against the San Diego Chargers.

December 31, 2014: Doug Marrone Resigns

On December 31, 2014, Doug Marrone announced his resignation as head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

January 12, 2015: Rex Ryan Hired as Head Coach

On January 12, 2015, the Buffalo Bills hired Rex Ryan to be their head coach.

August 28, 2015: Fifth-Year Option Exercised

On August 28, 2015, the Buffalo Bills exercised the fifth-year option on Stephon Gilmore's rookie contract.

September 13, 2015: Season-High Solo Tackles and Pass Deflections

On September 13, 2015, Stephon Gilmore recorded a season-high six solo tackles and set a season-high with four pass deflections against the Indianapolis Colts.

October 11, 2015: Game-Sealing Interception

On October 11, 2015, Stephon Gilmore sealed a victory against the Tennessee Titans with a fourth-quarter interception.

December 6, 2015: Shoulder Injury

On December 6, 2015, Stephon Gilmore exited a game against the Houston Texans due to a shoulder injury.

December 16, 2015: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 16, 2015, the Bills officially placed Stephon Gilmore on injured reserve after he underwent surgery to repair his torn labrum.

September 25, 2016: Two Interception Game

On September 25, 2016, Stephon Gilmore had his first two interception game of his career, picking off two passes by Carson Palmer against the Arizona Cardinals.

December 27, 2016: Rex Ryan Fired

On December 27, 2016, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Rex Ryan.

2016: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2016, Stephon Gilmore earned Pro Bowl honors during his time with the Buffalo Bills.

January 11, 2017: Bills Hire Sean McDermott

On January 11, 2017, the Buffalo Bills hired Sean McDermott as the head coach.

January 23, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection

On January 23, 2017, it was announced that Stephon Gilmore was voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl and also received the Ed Block Courage Award.

March 9, 2017: Gilmore Signs with the New England Patriots

On March 9, 2017, Stephon Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the New England Patriots, which included $40 million guaranteed and an initial signing bonus of $18 million.

October 5, 2017: Gilmore Exits Game Due to Concussion

On October 5, 2017, Stephon Gilmore had five solo tackles before exiting the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after sustaining a concussion following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Mike Evans.

2017: Patriots Clinch Playoff Berth

During the 2017 NFL season, the New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 13-3 record, clinching a playoff berth and a first-round bye.

January 13, 2018: Gilmore Starts First Playoff Game

On January 13, 2018, Stephon Gilmore started in his first career playoff game, making one tackle and two pass deflections in a victory against the Tennessee Titans.

February 4, 2018: Gilmore Starts in Super Bowl LII

On February 4, 2018, Stephon Gilmore started in Super Bowl LII, recording four solo tackles and two pass deflections in the Patriots' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

September 9, 2018: Gilmore's Season-High Performance Against Texans

On September 9, 2018, Stephon Gilmore started in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Houston Texans and had a season-high eight combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass.

November 25, 2018: Gilmore Intercepts Pass Against the Jets

On November 25, 2018, Stephon Gilmore had one tackle, a season-high three pass deflections, and an interception during a victory against the New York Jets.

2018: Patriots Clinch Playoff Berth and First-Round Bye

During the 2018 NFL season, the New England Patriots finished first in their division with an 11-5 record, clinching a playoff berth and a first-round bye.

January 13, 2019: Gilmore Leads Team in Divisional Round

On January 13, 2019, Stephon Gilmore started in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Chargers, leading the team with two pass deflections and intercepting a pass.

February 3, 2019: Gilmore Wins Super Bowl LIII

On February 3, 2019, Stephon Gilmore started in Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, securing the Patriots' victory with an interception late in the fourth quarter, earning his first Super Bowl ring.

September 15, 2019: Gilmore Scores First Career Touchdown

On September 15, 2019, Stephon Gilmore made two tackles, three pass deflections, and scored his first career touchdown on a pick-six against the Miami Dolphins.

December 15, 2019: Gilmore Scores Pick-Six Against Bengals

On December 15, 2019, Stephon Gilmore had two solo tackles, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

2019: Gilmore Wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2019, Stephon Gilmore was awarded the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, becoming the first member of the New England Patriots to win the award.

2019: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2019, Stephon Gilmore was named Defensive Player of the Year after co-leading the league in interceptions while playing for the New England Patriots.

2019: Gilmore Named to Pro Bowl and All-Pro Team

In 2019, Stephon Gilmore was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career and was named first-team All-Pro. He was also the highest-graded cornerback in the league by Pro Football Focus.

September 13, 2020: Gilmore Intercepts Pass Against Dolphins

On September 13, 2020, Stephon Gilmore started in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins and had his first and only interception of the season.

October 7, 2020: Gilmore Tests Positive for COVID-19

On October 7, 2020, Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team.

October 15, 2020: Gilmore Added Back to Active Roster

On October 15, 2020, Stephon Gilmore was added back to the New England Patriots' active roster after recovering from COVID-19.

October 30, 2020: Gilmore's Knee Injury Reported

On October 30, 2020, it was reported that Stephon Gilmore had tweaked his knee during practice and was given an MRI, leading to him being inactive for three games.

November 22, 2020: Gilmore Sets Season-High in Tackles

On November 22, 2020, Stephon Gilmore set a season-high with six combined tackles during a loss to the Houston Texans.

December 20, 2020: Gilmore Injured Against Dolphins

On December 20, 2020, Stephon Gilmore recorded two solo tackles before exiting the game against the Miami Dolphins after being injured by slipping on the turf.

December 23, 2020: Gilmore Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 23, 2020, Stephon Gilmore was officially placed on injured reserve by the Patriots due to a torn quadriceps, causing him to miss the last two games of the season.

August 31, 2021: Gilmore Placed on Reserve/PUP List

On August 31, 2021, Stephon Gilmore was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the season due to a quad injury from the previous season.

October 6, 2021: Gilmore Traded to Carolina Panthers

On October 6, 2021, Stephon Gilmore was traded from the New England Patriots to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft.

October 31, 2021: Gilmore Makes Season Debut with Interception

On October 31, 2021, Stephon Gilmore made his season debut with the Carolina Panthers, recording two combined tackles, one pass deflection, and an interception against the Atlanta Falcons.

2021: Gilmore Named to Pro Bowl

In 2021, despite a disappointing season, Stephon Gilmore was named to the Pro Bowl.

April 18, 2022: Gilmore Signs with Indianapolis Colts

On April 18, 2022, Stephon Gilmore signed a two-year, $20.00 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

October 6, 2022: Gilmore Intercepts Pass Against Broncos

On October 6, 2022, Stephon Gilmore intercepted a pass against the Denver Broncos, helping to send the game into overtime.

December 17, 2022: Gilmore Sets Season-High in Pass Deflections

On December 17, 2022, Stephon Gilmore recorded seven combined tackles and set a season-high with three pass deflections during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

2022: Gilmore Named to Pro Bowl

In 2022, despite playing in a limited number of games, Stephon Gilmore was named to the Pro Bowl.

March 14, 2023: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys

On March 14, 2023, the Indianapolis Colts traded Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys for a compensatory fifth-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft after injuries and departures impacted the Cowboys' cornerback lineup.

September 10, 2023: Starts season-opener with the Cowboys

On September 10, 2023, Stephon Gilmore started in the Dallas Cowboys' season-opener against the New York Giants, recording four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and his first interception as a Cowboy.

December 10, 2023: New season high in solo tackles

On December 10, 2023, Stephon Gilmore set a new season-high with nine solo tackles in the Cowboys' 33–13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

2023: Panthers Acquire Kayshon Boutte

In 2023, the Carolina Panthers used the sixth-round draft pick they obtained from the New England Patriots in the Stephon Gilmore trade to select Kayshon Boutte.

August 18, 2024: Signed by the Minnesota Vikings

On August 18, 2024, Stephon Gilmore signed a one-year, $7.00 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, reuniting with defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

October 6, 2024: Secures victory against the New York Jets

On October 6, 2024, Stephon Gilmore recorded six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and secured a 17–23 victory against the New York Jets with an interception.