History of Stephon Gilmore in Timeline
Stephon Gilmore is a prominent NFL cornerback. Drafted tenth overall in 2012 by the Buffalo Bills, he spent five seasons there, earning Pro Bowl recognition in 2016. Subsequently, he joined the New England Patriots. Currently, he plays for the Minnesota Vikings.
September 19, 1990: Birth of Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Stiles Gilmore was born on September 19, 1990. This event marks the beginning of his life.
2004: Historical Significance of Draft Position
Stephon Gilmore's selection in the 2012 NFL Draft was historically significant. He became the highest-drafted cornerback from the University of South Carolina since Dunta Robinson in 2004.
December 2008: Early Enrollment and College Football Debut
To gain an early start in his college football journey, Stephon Gilmore graduated high school early in December 2008. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina, participated in spring practice, and secured a starting position as a cornerback.
2008: High School Track and Field
In 2008, while in high school, Stephon Gilmore showcased his athleticism as a sprinter in track and field events, competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters, and participating in the 4x100 meter relay race.
2009: First Cornerback Since Charles Woodson to Win Defensive Player of the Year
In 2009, Charles Woodson was the last cornerback to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award before Stephon Gilmore achieved the same honor.
2009: Freshman Season Success and Recognition
In 2009, Stephon Gilmore's performance as a true freshman starting cornerback in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was remarkable. He earned Freshman All-American honors from College Football News and Phil Steele.
2009: College Decision and Football Prospect Ranking
In 2009, Stephon Gilmore, a highly regarded four-star football recruit, decided to commit to the University of South Carolina, choosing them over other prominent football programs. This marked the beginning of his collegiate football career.
2010: Offensive Contributions and Bowl Game Performance
In the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Stephon Gilmore, primarily a defensive player, showcased his versatility by completing a 29-yard pass to Alshon Jeffery in the fourth quarter.
March 28, 2012: NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day
On March 28, 2012, Stephon Gilmore participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and South Carolina's pro day, showcasing his skills and athleticism to representatives from all 32 NFL teams. These events were crucial in his journey to the NFL Draft.
May 17, 2012: Signing with the Buffalo Bills
On May 17, 2012, Stephon Gilmore officially signed a four-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, solidifying his entry into the NFL.
2012: Tying the Team Interception Record
Stephon Gilmore's five interceptions in the 2016 season matched Jairus Byrd's team-leading five interceptions from the 2012 season.
2012: NFL Draft and Early Career
In 2012, Stephon Gilmore was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, marking the beginning of his professional football career. This was a significant milestone in his journey.
2012: Buffalo Bills Draft Selection
In the 2012 NFL Draft, Stephon Gilmore was selected by the Buffalo Bills as the tenth overall pick. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, making him one of the highest-drafted cornerbacks in the draft.
April 3, 2013: Jersey Number Change
Stephon Gilmore changed his jersey number to 24 after Terrence McGee left the team.
January 25, 2014: Coaching Change and Starting Role
On January 25, 2014, Jim Schwartz was hired as the Buffalo Bills' new defensive coordinator. He named Stephon Gilmore as a starting cornerback alongside Leodis McKelvin for the 2014 season.
July 12, 2014: Married Gabrielle Glenn
Stephon Gilmore married his college sweetheart, Gabrielle Glenn, on July 12, 2014.
December 31, 2014: End of Season and Coaching Resignation
The Buffalo Bills finished the 2014 NFL season with a 9-7 record. On December 31, 2014, head coach Doug Marrone resigned from his position.
August 28, 2015: Contract Extension and Starting Role Confirmation
The Buffalo Bills exercised the fifth-year option on Stephon Gilmore's contract on August 28, 2015. He was named a starting cornerback alongside Ronald Darby by new head coach Rex Ryan for the upcoming season.
2016: Pro Bowl Selection and Recognition
Stephon Gilmore's performance in the NFL earned him recognition and his first Pro Bowl selection in 2016.
2016: Starting Cornerback
Stephon Gilmore began the 2016 NFL season as a starting cornerback for the Buffalo Bills.
2016: Continued Starting Role
Stephon Gilmore continued his role as a starting cornerback for the Buffalo Bills in the 2016 season under head coach Rex Ryan.
2016: Career-High Interceptions and Team Leadership
Stephon Gilmore had a career-high five interceptions during the 2016 NFL season, the most by any Buffalo Bills player since Jairus Byrd in 2012.
January 23, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection and Courage Award
Stephon Gilmore was selected to the Pro Bowl in recognition of his outstanding performance during the 2016 NFL season. He was also honored with the Ed Block Courage Award on January 23, 2017.
March 9, 2017: Signing with the New England Patriots
On March 9, 2017, Stephon Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the New England Patriots, marking a significant move in his NFL career.
December 17, 2017: Career-High Tackles and Victory Against the Steelers
Stephon Gilmore achieved a career-high eight solo tackles and broke up a pass in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 17, 2017, contributing to the New England Patriots' 27-24 victory.
January 13, 2018: First NFL Playoff Game
On January 13, 2018, Stephon Gilmore played in his first-ever NFL playoff game, contributing to the New England Patriots' victory against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round.
February 4, 2018: Super Bowl LII Appearance
Stephon Gilmore started in Super Bowl LII for the New England Patriots, but they faced a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 4, 2018.
2018: Starting Cornerback for the Patriots
Stephon Gilmore began the 2018 NFL season as the No. 1 starting cornerback for the New England Patriots, solidifying his key role in their defense.
October 31, 2019: AFC Defensive Player of the Month
Stephon Gilmore's impressive performance in October 2019, which included key interceptions and a shutout victory against the Dolphins, earned him the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Month.
2019: Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Victory
In 2019, Stephon Gilmore received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. The same year, he was part of the New England Patriots team that won Super Bowl LIII, marking a significant achievement in his career.
August 31, 2021: Placed on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List
Due to a quad injury from the previous season, Stephon Gilmore was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list at the start of the season on August 31, 2021.
October 6, 2021: Traded to the Carolina Panthers
On October 6, 2021, the New England Patriots traded Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
April 18, 2022: Signed with the Indianapolis Colts
Stephon Gilmore signed a two-year contract, worth up to $23 million, with the Indianapolis Colts on April 18, 2022.
March 14, 2023: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys
The Indianapolis Colts traded Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys on March 14, 2023, in exchange for a compensatory fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023: Sixth-Round Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
As part of the trade that sent Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots received a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023: Gilmore's 2023 Season
In 2023, Stephon Gilmore started in all 17 games for the Dallas Cowboys, achieving 68 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble.
August 18, 2024: Signed with the Minnesota Vikings
Stephon Gilmore signed a one-year contract, worth $10 million, with the Minnesota Vikings on August 18, 2024.