Stephon Gilmore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Stephon Gilmore

Gilmore with the Carolina Panthers in 2021
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1990-09-19) September 19, 1990 (age 34) Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:	South Pointe (Rock Hill, South Carolina)
College:	South Carolina (2009–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2012) New England Patriots (2017) Carolina Panthers (2021) Indianapolis Colts (2022) Dallas Cowboys (2023) Minnesota Vikings (2024)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (LIII) NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2019) 2× First-team All-Pro (2018, 2019) 5× Pro Bowl (2016, 2018–2021) NFL interceptions co-leader (2019) New England Patriots All-2010s Team New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team Third-team All-American (2010) First-team All-SEC (2010) Freshman All-American (2009)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 617 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 7 Fumble recoveries: 3 Pass deflections: 149 Interceptions: 32 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

Stephon Stiles Gilmore (born September 19, 1990) is a professional American football cornerback. A cornerback's main job is to stop the other team's receivers from catching the ball. Gilmore played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL draft.

Gilmore has had a very successful career. In 2019, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the New England Patriots. That same year, he tied for the most interceptions in the league. He also helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII. Gilmore has been selected for the Pro Bowl, the NFL's all-star game, five times. He has played for several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings.

Early Life and High School Career

Gilmore grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and went to South Pointe High School. He was a star athlete who played football, basketball, and ran track. In football, he was amazing on both offense and defense. He played quarterback and defensive back.

As a senior, he led his football team to a perfect 15–0 season and a state championship. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and passed for over 1,700 yards. For his incredible performance, he was named Mr. Football for South Carolina. Many top colleges wanted him to play for them, but he chose to attend the University of South Carolina.

College Career at South Carolina

Gilmore started his college career early by graduating high school in December 2008. This allowed him to practice with the Gamecocks in the spring. He quickly proved he was ready and became a starting cornerback as a true freshman. This is very rare in the tough Southeastern Conference.

In his first year, he had 52 tackles and was named a Freshman All-American. He played for the Gamecocks for three seasons before deciding to enter the professional league.

Professional Football Career

Before the NFL draft, players show their skills to scouts at an event called the NFL Scouting Combine. Gilmore performed very well in all the drills. He was one of the fastest and most athletic defensive players available. Experts predicted he would be a top pick in the draft.

Buffalo Bills (2012–2016)

Gilmore during his rookie year in 2012.

The Buffalo Bills selected Gilmore with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He immediately became a starting cornerback for the team. In his first season, he started all 16 games and recorded 61 tackles and one interception.

Over the next few years, Gilmore became one of the Bills' best defensive players. He dealt with some injuries but always played well when he was on the field. In 2016, his last season with the Bills, he had a career-high five interceptions. His great play earned him his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

New England Patriots (2017–2021)

In 2017, Gilmore signed a major contract with the New England Patriots. He joined a team known for winning and quickly became their top cornerback. In his first season with the Patriots, he helped the team reach Super Bowl LII.

Super Bowl Champion and Top Defender

Gilmore playing for the Patriots in 2019.

The 2018 season was even better for Gilmore and the Patriots. He was a key part of their defense, which helped them win Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams. In the game, Gilmore made a crucial interception late in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.

In 2019, Gilmore had his best season ever. He led the entire NFL with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. He even returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns. Because of his amazing performance, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. This is a huge honor, and he was the first cornerback to win the award in ten years.

After a few more successful seasons, Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.

Later Career: Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings

Gilmore continued to be a valuable player for several different teams.

• Carolina Panthers (2021): He played eight games and had two interceptions, earning another Pro Bowl selection.
• Indianapolis Colts (2022): As a starting cornerback, he had 66 tackles and two interceptions.
• Dallas Cowboys (2023): He started every game, helping the Cowboys' defense with 68 tackles and two key interceptions.
• Minnesota Vikings (2024): He joined the Vikings and continued to play as a starting cornerback.

Personal Life

Gilmore is married to Gabrielle Glenn, who he met in college. She was also an athlete and ran track for the University of South Carolina. They have three children. His younger brother, Steven, also plays football as a cornerback.

Growing up, Gilmore was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He was very excited when he had the chance to play for his childhood team in 2023.

Images for kids

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  Gilmore with the Buffalo Bills in 2014.

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  Gilmore at a Bills practice in 2015.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

See also

In Spanish: Stephon Gilmore para niños