Mike ReissESPN Writer2 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.
At the end of the 2022 season, Belichick said of McCourty: “He did everything a player could do for this program. His leadership off the court, his leadership on the court, is superior – as good as everyone I’ve ever coached in this position. He does everything well. He’s done everything well since he’s been here.
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.