Patriots Honor Devin McCourty
FOXBORO — When the New England Patriots drafted Rutgers defensive back Devin McCourty in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, team owner and chairman Robert Kraft told the then-22-year-old that he would become the “perfect Patriot.”
Nearly 13 years later, Kraft’s prophecy came full circle as he was the first to offer his formal congratulations and heartfelt gratitude for the 12-time team captain’s tenure in New England.
As the opening speaker at McCourty’s retirement ceremony held at the Patriots Hall of Fame adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, Kraft declared the Pats Hall as “the appropriate place to honor one of the greatest in franchise history.”
“Four years from now, I anticipate holding another ceremony on Devin’s behalf,” Kraft additionally remarked, referring to McCourty’s near-certain induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
McCourty, 35, was joined by his family as he addressed the robust crowd contingent of Patriots personnel, current and former players and coaches and media members. Occasionally emotional, yet always entertaining, McCourty’s respect for the only professional organization with which he played throughout his 13-year career was indisputable.
“The reality far surpassed the dream,” McCourty said of his Patriots tenure.
Following his conversion from cornerback to safety, McCourty 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, he 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 finished 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.
To echo Kraft’s declaration of being the ‘perfect Patriot,’ coach Bill Belichick has often referred to McCourty as one of the smartest players he’s ever coached.
In fact, Belichick regaled those in attendance by recalling his first meeting with McCourty as a 2010 Draft prospect. Participating in their first joint film session, Belichick admitted his attempt to stump McCourty by quizzing him on the identity of the Scarlet Knights defensive backs, linebackers and defenisve linemen, along with the play calls and formations.
McCourty not only named each player, but also every play call without hesitation.
“I’d never had and interview like this,” Belichick quipped. “I was amazing at how much he knew … I was blown away.”
In addition to Kraft and Belichick, McCourty was also honored by several current and former teammates through a congratulatory video, including Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, Stephon Gilmore, Matthew Slater — and Julian Edelman who joined the celebration from a rather interesting location.
Still, the day’s highlights rightfully belonged to its guest of honor. McCourty appeared content while speaking of his decision to retire, calling it “the right time” and even sharing his excitement at becoming “a crazy, avid Patriots fan living in New Jersey.”
For a brief moment, his tone turned slightly somber, yet reverent when he spoke of the strength he gained from his wife, Michelle. McCourty referred to her as “the strength of our family,” as he fought back tears while remembering the still born birth of their daughter Mia in 2020.
However, McCourty’s message was one of overall positivity. As he rides off into the proverbial sunset, he appears genuinely content in his decision, while offering a hopeful look toward the future.
“I’m going to miss relationships [with my teammates and coaches] more than football, but what I’m excited about is watching this team grow,” McCourty said.
As the program neared its close, he specifically addressed team captains Mac Jones and Ja’Whaun Bentley, who were in attendance, by praising the next generation of Patriots leaders.
“I look at my guy, Mac [Jones] here … first row, here to support me,” McCourty said with a knowing grin. “I know the team has great leadership. I know this team is in great hands … looking forward to seeing them grow.”
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 rightfully awaits him in the near future.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
