Stephon Gilmore Reflects on Career & Modern NFL Receivers on 'The Matchup'

Charlie Zschau Updated: Sep 24 2026 21:40

Stephon Gilmore retires as a New England Patriots after getting drafted by their AFC East rival, the Buffalo Bills.

Former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion, Stephon Gilmore, appears on 'The Matchup' podcast to discuss his official retirement as a member of the New England Patriots with Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders.

Watch The Matchup Pod on YouTube @TheMatchupPod.

Stephon Gilmore Talks Retiring with the New England Patriots

After a 13-year career, Stephon Gilmore signed a one-day contract with New England to officially retire as a Patriot. Gilmore spent four seasons with the Patriots (2017–2020) after five years with the Buffalo Bills (2012–2016).

Gilmore reflected on a storied career that began with a 12-year-old's dream, highlighting his historic run in New England where he earned multiple All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl title.

When asked why he wanted to retire a Patriot, Gilmore told Emmanuel Sanders and Chris Harris Jr. on the Matchup Pod, "I had my best years there, man... I think I was the first player to ever win Defensive Player of the Year there."

The Patriots have had several elite cornerbacks in the 21st century, but there have arguably been none better than Gilmore. During his time in New England, Gilmore was a two-time 1st Team All-Pro (2018, 2019), a three-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2019, 2020), a Super Bowl Champion, and was honored with the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.

Stephon Gilmore's thoughts the modern NFL

Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders delved into an analytical breakdown of today's elite pass-catchers and shutdown cornerbacks. Comparing eras, Gilmore pointed out how much harder modern defensive backs have it due to strict rules prohibiting physical contact downfield.

"It's just a different era we're in with the offense. We could really press back then, and now you can't touch the receiver," Gilmore explained, emphasising how rule adjustments have heavily favored modern offenses and route technicians.

If [a receiver] runs a crossing route... you used to be able to take his head off. Now you can't, that's a flag.

Gilmore's thoughts on the top WRs and DBs in the NFL

After talking about his retirement, Gilmore offered his opinions on the best wide receivers and defensive backs currently in the NFL. The former cornerback put explosive talents like the Ja'Marr Chase and Ceedee Lamb near the top of the league in terms best wide receivers.

Harris also asked Gilmore to talk about the best players at his position, and he highlighted the Patriots' Christian Gonzalez, and the Los Angeles Rams' Trent McDuffie, whose stellar coverage skills have earned high praise from veteran offensive threats across the league.

"I like [Christian] Gonzalez because he's following the number ones, bro. He's following them now. he's going to get him wherever he goes, he's there," Gilmore stated.

Ultimately, the discussion highlighted how defensive standards and coverage techniques continue to adapt alongside modern technology and AI tendencies, proving that while the game has evolved significantly, the appreciation for elite competition remains timeless.