Devin McCourty announced his retirement from the Patriots on March 10, 2023, and on this day the team lost an exceptional leader, skilled player, and positive spirit. Devin played safety for New England for 13 seasons and was a team captain for 12 consecutive seasons. He started all 205 regular season games he played in for the Pats, and he is a 3x Super Bowl champ.
A native of New Jersey, McCourty continued his football career in New Jersey at Rutgers. As a Scarlet Knight, McCourty redshirted his first season and then followed it with 3 impressive seasons. His senior season he ended up earning All Big East first-team honors.
Upon wrapping up an impressive collegiate career, in 2010 Devin took his talents to the next level where he was drafted in the first round, 27th overall by New England. Early on in his career he was recognized as an impressive player and received Second Team All-Pro honors as a rookie in his first season when he played cornerback. In 2013 and 2016, he also earned Associated Press All-Pro Second Team honors at safety. This early success would continue as he contributed to the team winning 3 Super Bowl’s in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Belichick has always emphasized Devin McCourty’s crucial role on the team, and he continued to praise Devin after his retirement; "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". These traits which Devin embodies so well, definitely further emphasize the Patriot’s renowned motto “do your job”, coined by Belichick himself. Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots franchise, also had complimentary words for Devin during a press conference on March 21st. Kraft stated that, “Devin provided irreplaceable leadership to our team on and off the field”.
Devin will most certainly be leaving behind a legacy of greatness for future Patriots players to look up to. His accomplishments on and off the field are tremendous. In his retirement press conference, Devin mentioned,“I'm very excited about what's next”, and discussed how he would love to pursue a career in sports commentating. So luckily, New England fans won’t have to say goodbye to Devin quite yet.
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-O.H.
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