Patriots Captain Devin McCourty Makes Retirement Decision
FOXBORO — Prior to the start of the 2021 season, New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty was named a team captain for the 12th time in his career.
At age 35, having just concluded his 13th NFL season, McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL, under the heading "It's not about the destination, it's the JOURNEY."
"I'm officially retiring from the NFL. It has been a great ride," McCourty said via Instagram, with his twin brother Jason. "I think it's always tough to come to the end. This whole offseason has been so much back and forth for me mentally, but ultimately I think this is the best decision for me, for my family, and my career."
McCourty said came to his decision having spoken with Patriots team owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and members of the team's defensive coaching staff.
"I got to say to Bill: 'Now I get the chance to reminisce and look back and not have to focus on 'how can I be better?'"
Since being drafted in the first round (27 overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, McCourty has been a stalwart in the Pats defense. Following his conversion from cornerback to safety, the Rutgers product has been 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 has become a three-time Super Bowl champion, as well as being voted to two Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams and the Patriots’ Team of the 2010s. He will finish his NFL tenure having compiled 971 total tackles, 110 passes defended, 35 interceptions (with two touchdowns), 11 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in the regular season. McCourty was equally as effective in the postseason, where he logged 119 total tackles, four pass break-ups and two interceptions.
Some have speculated that a similar future in broadcasting may be waiting for McCourty on the other side of his playing days. During the Pats Week 10 bye in November, McCourty joined the CBS broadcast. While his appearance was limited, his valuable insight and analysis, as well as his charisma may make him an attractive candidate to fill an analyst role, now that his playing days have come to an end. In fact, McCourty recently joined his brother Jason as a guest co-host for NFL Media's Good Morning Football.
No matter the direction in which his next chapter carries him, McCourty will do so with skill, poise, class and a style all his own.
Accordingly, his place in the Patriots Hall of Fame, along with an aesthetically-pleasing red jacket, awaits him, rightfully awaits him in the near future.
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