BOSTON — Nicknamed “red coat” by his teammates, Devin McCourty’s destiny as a future Patriots Hall of Famer has long been clear.
After making an announcement Friday afternoon, the clock is officially ticking on his induction day.
In a video posted to social media, McCourty shared he is retiring from the NFL. McCourty ends his playing career after 13 seasons, three Super Bowl championships and two Pro Bowl nods. The 35-year-old grew into a franchise great in New England, where he was named to the franchise’s 2010s All-Decade team.
McCourty ranks third in Patriots history with 35 career regular-season interceptions, one behind Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Ty Law and Patriots Hall of Famer Raymond Clayborn.
“It has been a great ride,” McCourty told his twin brother and NFL Network analyst, Jason McCourty, on Instagram. “I got the opportunity to talk to Mr. Kraft, to talk to Bill (Belichick), a lot of the guys on the defensive staff. Unbelievable ride, man, and I think it’s always tough to come to the end.
“This whole offseason has been so much back and forth for me mentally … but ultimately I think this is the best decision for me, my family, for my career. To be able to look back on my 13 years and just enjoy it.”
McCourty was voted a captain every season after his rookie year of 2010. He entered the league as a first-round draft pick and became the fourth player in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He later earned All-Pro second team honors in 2013 and 2016.
For all his on-field exploits, McCourty became an equally important presence off the field in the New England .
“Through his individual performance and overall leadership, Devin has been such an important part of the success we have enjoyed over the past 13 seasons, including each of our last three Super Bowl championships,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “As great as his contributions were on the field, he made an even greater impact in the community, taking a leadership role in his advocacy for finding a cure for sickle cell anemia, effecting legislative change for criminal justice reform, and championing countless other educational and economical advancement initiatives.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better leader and ambassador, both on and off the field.”
Last season, McCourty totaled 71 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery, while becoming the 24th player in NFL history to start 200 games with one team. McCourty finished his career playing in 128 consecutive games, including the playoffs. He started all 205 regular-season games he appeared in and logged at least 925 every season of his career.
Even last year, at age 35, he showed remarkable durability, playing in 97% of the team's defensive snaps. No player in the NFL has logged more snaps since he entered the league in 2010.
"It is a rare group of players who win games at a historic rate, exude team culture, lead, win awards, and win championships. And then there is Devin McCourty," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "Devin did all of those 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 how high he raised the bar for spreading goodness and justice in the community.
"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. I am excited to see him bring those same traits to his next chapter and brighten the lives of even more people."
In his retirement video, McCourty said Jason, who last year became a co-host of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" show, served as an inspiration for his decision. Jason retired last summer after his own 13-year career in the NFL, which included a three-year stay in New England where he won a Super Bowl. Devin McCourty said he's excited to follow Jason's footsteps with his own media career, though he's unsure where he'll work next.
"I'm not sure yet. I'm hoping I get job offers after sitting down with the Jason McCourty and talking about my future," McCourty cracked. "So those are my big plans."
He leaves behind Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Joshuah Bledsoe and Brenden Schooler in the team's safeties room. Fellow veteran Jabrill Peppers is set to become a free agent. The Patriots will try to fill his shoes in free agency next week and/or the NFL Draft in late April.
"I'm excited," McCourty said of moving on. "I'm excited about what's to come. I never thought I'd be able to retire from the NFL — it's all I've ever done really, is play football — and be excited about having another job."
The Patriots are also planning to hold a press conference Tuesday at the team's Hall of Fame to honor him at a time TBD.
