Devin McCourty Announces Retirement
After 13 star-studded NFL seasons, safety Devin McCourty has announced his retirement from the NFL.
McCourty, 35, won three Super Bowls in his career, all with the New England Patriots. Assuming he stays retired, McCourty will have been a Patriot for his whole career, after New England drafted McCourty in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
To go along with the three rings, McCourty stacked up the accolades. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time second-team All-Pro. On the playing field, the Rutgers product racked up 11 forced fumbles, 35 interceptions, and two pick-sixes.
An impressive career for McCourty was highlighted by playing with his twin brother, Jason. The two played together with the Patriots from 2018-2020. The twins announced Devin’s retirement via an Instagram video on Friday.
“It’s always tough to come to the end,” Devin said on Zoom.
“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 was signed to a one-year, $9 million contract to play what would end up being one final year in Foxborough last season.
What’s Next For The Patriots?
What does this move mean for New England? Well, the Pats are going to have to find a new safety alongside Kyle Dugger. Jabrill Peppers is a pending free agent, so you certainly can’t count on him to fill that position. Adrian Phillips is still under contract and will contend to start next season.
Not to mention that McCourty wears the green dot. This means he was the conductor of the defense, the captain who called plays and essentially ran the defense from his safety position. He also wore a radio in his helmet, like a quarterback, communicating with the sidelines to help with play calls. He may have been best known for his leadership with the Pats.
McCourty had a legendary career with the Patriots. He will be tough to replace on the field and in the locker room.
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