John Gilmore is a former American football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Penn State University, where he was a standout player and earned All-Big Ten honors.
Gilmore was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints in 2002 and spent his rookie season on the practice squad. He was then signed by the Chicago Bears, where he spent the next six seasons of his career. During his time with the Bears, Gilmore was primarily used as a blocking tight end and played a key role in the team's success on the ground. He was also a valuable contributor on special teams, where he excelled as a coverage player.
In 2008, Gilmore signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He played two seasons with the team, where he continued to be a reliable blocker and special teams player. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 10 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown during his time with the Buccaneers.
After his stint with the Buccaneers, Gilmore signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. He played one season with the team, where he was primarily used as a blocking tight end and special teams player. He was part of the Steelers team that made it to the Super Bowl that year, but they ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers.
Gilmore retired from the NFL after the 2011 season, having played a total of 10 seasons in the league. He finished his career with 105 receptions for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he was never a star player, Gilmore was known for his toughness, work ethic, and versatility. He was a valuable contributor on special teams and a reliable blocker, which made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
After retiring from football, Gilmore went on to pursue a career in coaching. He worked as an assistant coach at several colleges, including the University of Maryland and the University of Richmond. He also worked as a scout for the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills.
Overall, John Gilmore had a successful career in the NFL, where he was known for his toughness, work ethic, and versatility. He was a valuable contributor on special teams and a reliable blocker, which made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. After retiring from football, he went on to pursue a career in coaching and scouting.
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