ROCK HILL, S.C. – It was a typical Wednesday afternoon for Steve Gilmore two weeks ago when he got a not-so-typical phone call from his son, Stephon Gilmore, who’d just met with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Stephon: “Dad, I’m coming home.’’
Steve: “What you mean you’re coming home?’’
Stephon: “I’m coming home.’’
Steve: “All right. What time you coming?’’ (Thinking it was just for a visit)
Stephon: “I’m coming home to be a Panther.’’
Gilmore grew up in Rock Hill, a 25-minute drive across the South Carolina-North Carolina border to Charlotte’s Bank of American Stadium where the Carolina Panthers (3-3) play.