Hello everyone, I am embarking on a new feature for BostonSportsExtra and PatriotsExtra. We will have a weekly profile of a Patriots’ player so you can get to know more about the individuals on the team. This week features one of the newest Patriots, cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
INTRODUCTION
Stephon Stiles Gilmore was born on September 19, 1990 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Gilmore went on to play high school and college football in his home state. Gilmore was voted third team all-American in 2011 and first team SEC 2010-2011. The Buffalo Bills drafted him in the first round (tenth overall) in 2012.
Gilmore went signed one of the richer free-agent contracts in Patriots’ history this past off season. Gilmore signed a five-year, $65M dea,l making him one of the highest paid defensive players on the team. This is coming off his last season with the Bills where Gilmore was voted to his first Pro Bowl. Gilmore also gained notoriety this season in mini camp for his feisty play. Both he and Julian Edelman were thrown out of practice for fighting on August 1st.
Gilmore has teamed up this season with Malcolm Butler to form one of the more formidable CB tandems in the league. Before you crucify me or them, it is only the first month of the season. Time should show that this signing was a very good one for both the short and long term of the defense. Gilmore, a great tackler, has averaged three interceptions a season, which I expect to go up this year.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Stephon Gilmore married his college sweetheart, Gabrielle Glenn, who he met at the University of South Carolina. She was a member of the track team as a sprinter. They currently plan to spend their off season time in South Carolina as well.
OFF THE FIELD
Gilmore has a reputation for his feisty behavior on the field, but it turns out Gilmore can be feisty off as well. Gilmore quickly dissed his former team (the Bills–who doesn’t) after signing this off season. “My friends and family will actually see me play on TV” highlighted one of his first quotes to the media. Gilmore can trash talk with the best of them, and has quick wit on and off of the field.
Otherwise, Gilmore tries to maintain a low profile and hangs out with his new defensive-back mates at least once a week. They get together as a group and have dinner or do something at one of their houses. They all say that this brings them closer together and helps with team bonding.
Hope you guys enjoyed my first ever Patriots’ player profile. Check out BostonSportsExtra.com and PatriotsExtra.com for a new profile each week. Thanks again and Go Patriots.