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Two Former Colts Starters Retired from the NFL This Week
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- Two Former Colts Starters Retired from the NFL This Week
(Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)
If the Indianapolis Colts can't find a worthwhile trade partner for QB Anthony Richardson Sr., would it be better to hold onto him for 2026?
The previous era of Indianapolis Colts football continues to fade as two former starting defensive players have announced their retirements.
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This week, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. both announced their retirement from the game of football.
Gilmore joined the Colts for his lone season in 2022 as a free agent. He had a storied career prior as a No. 10 overall draft pick by the Buffalo Bills (2012-16) and then with the New England Patriots (2017-20) before spending a year with the Carolina Panthers (2021).
Over 13 years, Gilmore was a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII-winning squad.
Gilmore posted a highlight video along with a written message on Instagram :
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To my first love, Football —
As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 - you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime.
From my first game with Finley Road Falcons to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself.
To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams.
To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today.
To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me.
And to the fans—thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.
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In 180 games (173 starts), Gilmore had 617 tackles (nine for loss), 1.0 sack, eight forced fumbles, three fumbles recovered, 32 interceptions, 149 pass breakups, and two defensive touchdowns.
Nov 1, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Anthony Walker (54) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Walker was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in the 2017 NFL Draft, establishing himself as a starting MIKE linebacker until moving on to the Cleveland Browns in 2021. Walker then left for the Miami Dolphins (2024), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2025), and then back to the Colts' practice squad last season before making one more quick trip to the Buccaneers' practice squad afterward.
In 73 career games (63 starts), Walker had 469 tackles (21 for loss), 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumbles recovered, three interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.
Gilmore and Walker join center Ryan Kelly and wide receiver TY Hilton as other former Colts stars to retire this offseason.
