Mike ReissESPN Writer3 minute read
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after 13 seasons, including three Super Bowl championships.
“I’m officially retiring from the NFL. It’s been a great ride,” McCourty said in a video posted to Instagram with his twin brother, Jason. “I think it’s always hard to get to the end. This whole offseason has been so back and forth for me mentally, but ultimately I think it’s the best decision for me, for my family and my career.”
McCourty said he spoke with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and members of the team’s defensive coaching staff about his decision.
“I have to say to Bill, ‘Now I have the chance to remember and look back, without having to focus on how I can be better.'”
McCourty, who turns 36 in August, entered the NFL as the Patriots’ 2010 first-round draft pick over Rutgers (No. 27 overall).
He played in 205 regular season games for the franchise (fifth in team history), starting them all and totaling 982 tackles and 35 interceptions.
The 35 picks, who are third in franchise history behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law and Patriots Hall of Famer Raymond Clayborn, are the most active among players.
He also started 24 playoff games, more than any defensive back in NFL history, amassing 118 tackles and two interceptions.
McCourty said teaming up with Jason in 2018 and winning a Super Bowl title together was one of the highlights of his career.
His leadership was evident as soon as he was named captain in only his second season. He was captain for 12 consecutive seasons and is one of seven players in NFL history to start in at least five Super Bowls.
McCourty began his NFL career as a cornerback before moving to safety in 2012 after the team suffered a string of injuries there. It turned out to be his permanent residence from then on.
“This is a rare group of players who are winning games at an historic rate, exuding team culture, leading, winning awards and winning championships. And then there’s Devin McCourty,” Belichick said in a statement. Friday. “Devin has done all of these 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 to how high he has raised the bar for spreading goodness and justice in the community. For 13 years, Devin has made everyone in our organization feel better and be better because of who he is – a pillar of professionalism, selflessness, work ethic, preparation, intelligence and performance. I’m thrilled to see him bring those same traits to his next chapter and brighten the lives of even more people.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft also spoke enthusiastically about McCourty.
“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 grateful for his mother, Phyllis.” , Kraft said. “Through his individual performances and overall leadership, Devin has been such a huge part of the success we’ve had over the past 13 seasons, including each of our last three Super Bowl championships. As great as his contributions on the ground, he made an even greater impact in the community, playing a leading role in advocating for a cure for sickle cell anemia, effecting legislative changes for criminal justice reform and championing countless other initiatives promoting education and the economy as the best leader and ambassador, both on and off the field.”
McCourty, who has previously expressed interest in sports media, said he was unsure what his next step would be.
“I’m ready to take this path and see,” he said.