“I almost cried": Patriots vet Stephon Gilmore makes shocking admission about Bill Belichick's meeting room moment

NFL cornerback Stephon Gilmore is currently without a team in the offseason and remains a free agent. After being selected No. 1 pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL draft, Gilmore went on to represent the New England Patriots, the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and, most recently, the Minnesota Vikings.

However, in a recent media appearance on "The Money Down Podcast," Gilmore revealed he had a difficult start in New England under then-head coach Bill Belichick. Gilmore said he got beat on a route in practice, which Belichick ruthlessly called him out for in the next meeting.

He said:

"He [Bill Belichick] killed me one day, bro... It was when I first got there. I was pressed down on the receiver. It was a bunch route. . . . And I got picked. Bro, he killed me the next meeting. I almost cried, how he did me. I ain’t going to lie to you. I went to the bathroom, like man, bro. I can tell you one thing, I ain’t never got picked again after that."

Gilmore had a strong campaign in 2024 with the Vikings, finishing the season with 56 total tackles, 40 solo tackles, and one interception in 15 games.

What will Stephon Gilmore's next contract look like?

Gilmore remains a free agent and has not yet signed with an NFL team. As a result, there is a chance he may retire from professional football.

“I want to play this year,” Gilmore said. “It’s got to be the right situation. ... It’s got to be the right situation for me. I’m not just going to sign anywhere, so it’s got to be the right situation. I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.”

However, should he sign a new contract, the contract and financial sports company Spotrac projects it will be a short-term deal for the 34-year-old Gilmore. Spotrac currently estimates Gilmore's current market value at a one-year deal worth $5,338,174.