Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty: biography

Devin McCourty is a former American football player who played as a free safety during 13 seasons for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).

Childhood and youth

Devin McCourty was born on August 13, 1987, in Nyack, New York, to parents Calvin and Phyllis McCourty. He grew up in Nanuet, New York, and attended Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey.

As a child, McCourty was involved in various sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. He was a standout athlete in high school, earning All-State honors in football and leading his team to the state championship game. He also excelled in track and field, winning multiple county and state titles in the high jump and triple jump events.

After graduating from high school, McCourty attended Rutgers University, where he played football for the Scarlet Knights. He was a four-year starter for the team and became one of the most decorated defensive players in school history, earning All-Big East honors three times and being named a first-team All-American in his senior year.

Throughout his childhood and youth, McCourty was known for his work ethic and determination, traits that would serve him well in his football career. He also became involved in community service at a young age, volunteering with his family at their local church and participating in various charitable events throughout his career.

Football career

Devin McCourty's football career began at Rutgers University, where he played for the Scarlet Knights from 2006 to 2009. He was a four-year starter for the team and became one of the most decorated defensive players in school history. He finished his college career with 238 tackles, six interceptions, and 31 pass deflections.

In the 2010 NFL Draft, McCourty was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round with the 27th overall pick. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, playing in all 16 regular-season games and starting 13 of them. He finished the season with 82 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections.

Over the next several years, McCourty established himself as one of the Patriots' most reliable defensive players. He was known for his versatility, playing both safety and cornerback positions, and his ability to read opposing offenses and make quick, decisive plays.

In the 2014 season, McCourty helped lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the season with 68 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass deflections. He also earned his first Pro Bowl selection that season.

In the 2016 season, McCourty helped lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl victory, this time over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. He finished the season with 83 tackles, one interception, and seven pass deflections.

In the 2018 season, McCourty helped lead the Patriots to their third Super Bowl victory in five years, defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. He finished the season with 82 tackles, one interception, and nine pass deflections.

In the 2019 season, Devin McCourty continued to be a vital part of the New England Patriots' defense. He started all 16 regular-season games and finished the season with 58 tackles, five interceptions, and seven pass deflections. His standout performances earned him his second Pro Bowl selection.

In March 2020, McCourty signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, keeping him with the team through the 2021 season. He continued to play at a high level, starting all 16 games in the 2020 season and finishing with 111 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass deflections.

In the 2021 season, McCourty again started all 16 regular-season games for the Patriots. He finished the season with 73 tackles, one interception, and six pass deflections. He also continued his efforts off the field, being named the Patriots' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his community service work.

After the 2021 season, McCourty became a free agent but opted to re-sign with the Patriots on a one-year contract for the 2022 season. In his 12th season with the team, he played in 13 games and finished with 35 tackles, one interception, and three pass deflections.

After his 13th season, on March 10, 2023 Devin announced his retirement.

Throughout his career, Devin McCourty has been known for his consistency, leadership, and versatility on the field. He has established himself as one of the Patriots' most reliable defensive players and has become a respected voice in the NFL on social justice issues.

Personal life

Off the field, Devin McCourty is a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Michelle Powell, in 2016, and the couple has two children together, a daughter and a son. McCourty is known for his close relationship with his twin brother, Jason McCourty, who also plays in the NFL.

In addition to his family life, McCourty is actively involved in community service and social justice causes. He and his brother founded the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign, which raises awareness and funds for sickle cell disease research. He has also been an advocate for criminal justice reform and has worked to increase voter participation and education.

In recognition of his community service work, McCourty was named the New England Patriots' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2017 and 2018. He has also been recognized for his leadership and sportsmanship on the field, being named a team captain multiple times and earning the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

Honors and achievements

Devin McCourty has received numerous honors and achievements throughout his football career, including:

• 2x Super Bowl Champion (XLIX, LI)
• 3x AFC Champion (2011, 2014, 2016)
• 11x Team Captain (2011-2021)
• 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2010, 2019)
• 1x Second-team All-Pro Selection (2019)
• 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
• 2018 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award
• 2017 and 2018 New England Patriots Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee
• Inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame (2019)
• Ranked 89th on the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2020 list.