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Veteran New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Patriots President and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement:
“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. Through his individual performance and overall leadership, Devin has played such an important role in the success we have enjoyed over the past 13 seasons, including each of our last three Super Bowl championships. As great as his contributions on the field, he had an even greater impact in the community, playing a leading role in advocating for a cure for sickle cell disease, effecting legislative changes for criminal justice reform, and championing countless other community initiatives. promoting education and the economy. We couldn’t have asked for a better leader and ambassador, both on and off the pitch.”
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All about travel ❤️💙@devinmccourty | @JasonMcCourty pic.twitter.com/PNcCjWYnsS
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LATEST NEWS!!! It’s not about the destination, it’s about the JOURNEY!! https://t.co/rv8hMaSi9P
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The ultimate leader.
Thank you and congratulations, @devinmccourty ! pic.twitter.com/m272lTv1Gu
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick added:
“This is a rare group of players who are winning games at historic rates, exuding team culture, leading, winning awards and winning championships. And then there’s Devin McCourty. Devin has done all of those things in 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 how high he has raised the bar for spread kindness and justice in the community. For 13 years, Devin has made everyone in our organization feel better and be better because of who they are – 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.”
The decision comes as no major surprise after McCourty said Peter King of NBC Sports in January that he was going to take his time to make a decision on his future as a player.
The 35-year-old had been a fixture in New England’s high school since being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2010, and he was still competing at a high level before his retirement.
Safety has posted four interceptions, eight pass breakups, one fumble recovery and 71 tackles in 17 games during the 2022 campaign. Two of those interceptions came against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Buffalo signalman Bills Josh Allen, who are both the best in the game.
The Rutgers product appeared in 205 games over 13 seasons, posting 35 interceptions, 110 pass breakups, 11 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, three sacks and 971 tackles. He also earned two Pro Bowl selections and helped the Patriots win three Super Bowl titles.
With McCourty retired, the Patriots will have a huge void to fill in their secondary, which is also made up of Kyle Dugger, Jalen Mills, Jack Jones, Adrian Phillips, Shaun Wade, Joshuah Bledsoe and Brenden Schooler.
It’s unclear how New England intends to close the gap.