Patriots Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft React to Captain's Retirement
FOXBORO — As the New England Patriots walked from the the Gillette Stadium field to the locker room following their Week 17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, team captain Devin McCourty took a bit more time to savor the moment.
Deeply entrenched in the twilight of his career, the 13-year veteran realized on New Year’s Day that he might be leaving his home field for the final time in a Patriots uniform.
“I took a moment,” McCourty told reporters following the game on Jan. 1. “Spent some time with my family on the field. It's been a great run. To come out here, if this was the last one, I think to be able to leave Gillette with a win, very similar to how my first-ever game was a win. I've had a lot of fun.”
McCourty fulfilled his own prophecy by announcing his retirement from the NFL on Friday — doing so by taking to social media under the heading "It's not about the destination, it's the JOURNEY."
As he begins the next chapter of his “journey,” each of the organization’s guiding forces took the time to acknowledge McCourty’s accomplishments, as well as the indelible mark he will leave on the franchise.
"As a Patriots fan, it's always bittersweet to see such an iconic player announce his retirement, but I couldn't be happier for Devin, Michelle, and the McCourty family or more thankful to his mother, Phyllis," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Through his individual performance and overall leadership, Devin has been such an important part of the success we have enjoyed over the past 13 seasons, including each of our last three Super Bowl championships.
“As great as his contributions were on the field, he made an even greater impact in the community, taking a leadership role in his advocacy for finding a cure for sickle cell anemia, effecting legislative change for criminal justice reform, and championing countless other educational and economical advancement initiatives. We couldn't have asked for a better leader and ambassador, both on and off the field."
Since being drafted by New England in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, McCourty has been a stalwart in the Pats defense. Following his conversion from cornerback to safety, the Rutgers product became one of the Pats’ most prolific on-field defenders, as well as one of its most respected leaders in the locker room.”
Throughout his career, McCourty appeared in a combined 229 regular season and playoff games as a member of the Patriots. He was voted to two Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams and the Patriots’ Team of the 2010s.
Unsurprisingly, the man who drafted McCourty No. 27 overall more than a decade ago had the utmost praise for his longtime team captain.
"It is a rare group of players who win games at a historic rate, exude team culture, lead, win awards, and win championships," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "And then there is Devin McCourty. Devin did all of those things as a player and more. But, what I think of first when I think of Devin is the type of man he is, his character, his values and how high he raised the bar for spreading goodness and justice in the community.
“For 13 years, Devin made everyone in our organization feel better and be better because of who he is – a pillar of professionalism, unselfishness, work ethic, preparation, intelligence and performance. I am excited to see him bring those same traits to his next chapter and brighten the lives of even more people."
Despite his numerous accolades, McCourty consistently found his greatest pride in the bond he shared with his teammates. Whether it was the time he spent alongside his twin brother Jason as members of the Patriots (2018-2020), or one of the numerous defensive from whom he learned or taught throughout the years, McCourty always took the time to appreciate the unique camaraderie only found among professional athletes. In the wake of his final appearance as an active player on his home field, he was quick to reflect on the moments with his teammates and those at the Stadium which have helped to make his 13 seasons with the Pats memorable.
“These guys [my teammates] have been awesome to go out here and compete with. You never know how football goes. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it before the game, and just now. Give a high five to the Minutemen, something I've done over and over and over again after wins. Just kind of think about that, let that settle in, just trying to make sure I stay in the moment, enjoy.”
As his red jacket awaits him as a near-certain inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame, McCourty has earned the praise, appreciation and admiration of each and every member of Patriots Nation.
Though he will be missed on the field in which he has so much success, his proverbial ride into the sunset becomes the gateway to life’s next chapter — one which he will approach with dignity, respect and class.
For 13 years, Devin McCourty was a leader who led by example as well as anyone who has ever worn a Patriots uniform.
Now, it’s his time to enjoy.
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