Despite his soft-spoken demeanor, Stephon Gilmore has never shied away from the spotlight, especially when it comes to his performance on the football field. From graduating high school early (in order to earn a first-string spot during spring practice at South Carolina), to starting as a rookie in Buffalo (after being selected #10 overall), Stephon has spent countless hours preparing for and overcoming challenges. Although his team missed the playoffs during his first five seasons, Stephon continued to elevate his game and was eventually voted to the Pro Bowl. When free agency landed him on one of the NFL’s most celebrated franchises, he rose to the occasion. From never playing in a playoff game to starting in consecutive Super Bowls, Stephon has quickly grown from being a promising young cornerback to a Super Bowl Champion and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year (he’s the first New England Patriot in history to be given that honor). If you ask Stephon, his road to becoming a relentless, hard-working leader began in Rock Hill, South Carolina. As the oldest of six siblings, he balanced being a multi-sport athlete with being a big brother. It was also during his childhood when his love for MJ and Air Jordans began, thanks to his father. Now, the top defensive player in professional football will represent the Jumpman when he returns to the field to do what he does best — defend his spot. Welcome to the family, Stephon.

Super Bowl champion, multiple Pro Bowls, the first-ever New England Patriot to ever win defensive player of the year… you’re at the top of your game. Then, you get the call about joining the Jordan Brand. What went through your mind when that happened? Oh man, I was so excited. I grew up wanting all the Jordans as a kid. I looked up to Michael Jordan, and my dad had all his jerseys. It took two years, but to have this opportunity to join the Jordan Brand? I’m excited. It’s a brotherhood. It’s MJ, the best to ever play the game. How he handled himself on and off the court has always stood out to me. Do you have a first memory of MJ? I just know that I was obsessed with him. I have pictures of my dad and I dressed up in Jordan gear, our whole outfits. I was always a big fan. I couldn’t afford every Air Jordan growing up, but my dad made sure that I had certain ones. I had the Concords and the original Is. Those are probably my favorites. I played basketball, and that was my first true love. What are some of the skills you learned in basketball that helped you develop as a football player? I played point guard, so I had some handles and played great defense. I could always stay in front of whoever my competitor was. I think that if I didn’t play football, I could have been a great defensive player and shut down whoever is on the court — playing hard, going out and fighting to get the job done. I don’t take it easy on anybody. You run more in basketball than you do in football, so stamina, agility and staying in front of individual players are all things I’ve taken to the field.

There’s a different swagger and confidence that comes with being a Jordan Brand athlete. How would you describe that? Everyone on the roster has their own unique personality. To be signed with Jordan Brand, I feel like you need to have that certain swagger. You have to know that you’re great on the field. You have to put the work in on and off the field. The Jordan Brand roster includes some of the greatest athletes across all sports. Who are some of your favorites? Kemba Walker, Russell Westbrook and Jayson Tatum are some of my favorite basketball players. I’m in Boston, so Jayson, Kemba and I are all on the same team. Also, my boy Melvin Ingram is with the Jordan Brand, and we went to college together. Zion [Williamson] is from South Carolina. How does it feel to be one of the faces representing Jordan Brand to the next generation? It’s very humbling. It’s a blessing to be signed to the brand and to represent the Jumpman both on and off the field. Athletes signed to Jordan are great players, but they also help out their communities. They do the things that athletes should do, and I’m looking forward to continuing that legacy. You’re somebody who’s big on letting your game speak for itself. How did you develop that confidence? I wouldn’t say I’m quiet, but I just like to focus on my game. I feel like if I focus more on my game and my opponent, I’ll be the better player and not have any distractions. I let my game do the talking. I keep everything in my head, work hard, prepare hard and study hard. Once I’m on that field, there are no friends for me, doesn’t matter who it is.

“I let my game do the talking.”