Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore named PFWA Defensive Player of the Year

Stephon Gilmore has put together an unforgettable season.

He was unanimously named First-Team All-Pro, earned a Pro Bowl nod and led the best secondary in the NFL with six interceptions. The New England Patriots had a league-high 25 interceptions and ranked No. 2 in passing yards allowed per game.

Since the Patriots got knocked out of the playoffs — the next biggest accomplishment for Gilmore is AP Defensive Player of the Year. He hasn’t earned that honor quite yet, but he was named Defensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.

The PFWA has selected @Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) at the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player and the Offensive Player of the Year. @Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore (@BumpNrunGilm0re) was selected as the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.

— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 15, 2020

Gilmore has full confidence in the fact that he’ll win the more prestigious award, but this is a good sign. He finished the 2019 season with six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 20 pass deflections and he only allowed one touchdown all season.

No defensive player was more dominant and overbearing than Gilmore this season, and it reflects in the individual honors that he’s earned.