Patriots Nation woke up to some surprising news as four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore was going to be released on Wednesday.
Gilmore’s wife, Gabrielle, showed her ride-or-die support with a photo dump on Instagram of their memories of an “amazing ride” in Boston, from two Super Bowls with their children celebrating with confetti on the field to Gilmore receiving the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
“Definitely will be people we will miss and plays YOU will never forget”, Gabrielle said in her tribute while her husband echoed the same, saying how much success he had with the team.
Gilmore posted to his Twitter and Instagram a thank you to the New England Patriots organization and fans.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my goodbye to this great fan base,” he wrote. “We have enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements.”
Gilmore was ultimately traded to the Panthers later Wednesday afternoon for a sixth-round pick in 2023.
Stephon and Gabrielle married in the summer of 2014 and have two children, Sebastian and Gisele. Gabrielle is a former NCAA Champion and Junior Olympian.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s longtime partner, Linda Holliday, was quick to comment on Gabrielle’s post, saying, “So many great memories .. all of our times waiting outside in the tunnel together! Going to miss you both!!”
Gilmore was not on the Pats active roster during his release. He was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a quad injury that he suffered against the Miami Dolphins last December. He would have been eligible to begin practicing again after Week 6.
The news of Gilmore’s release comes as a shock to the NFL. However, Gilmore and the Pats had a pretty public stalemate over his pay. This season, he was set to make a $7 million base salary and receive a roster bonus, but his 2021 compensation would have him ranked 24th among NFL cornerbacks.