Mike ReissESPN staff writer2 minute reading
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after 13 seasons, including three Super Bowl titles.
“I’m officially retiring from the NFL. It’s been a great ride,” McCourty said in a video posted on Instagram with his twin brother, Jason. “I think it’s always hard to get to the end. This whole offseason has been so hard for me mentally, but ultimately I think this is the best decision for me, for my family and my career.”
McCourty said he discussed his decision with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and members of the defensive coaching staff.
“I have to tell Bill, ‘Now I have a chance to remember and look back and I don’t have to focus on how I can be better.'”
McCourty, who turns 36 in August, entered the NFL as the first pick of the Patriots’ 2010 draft out of Rutgers (No. 27 overall).
He played in 205 regular season games for the franchise (fifth most in team history), started all of them, and totaled 982 tackles and 35 interceptions.
The 35 picks, which are the third most in franchise history behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law and Patriots Hall of Famer Raymond Clayborn, are the most among active players.
He also started 24 playoff games, more than any defensive player in NFL history, racking up 118 tackles and two interceptions.
McCourty said teaming up with Jason in 2018 and winning the Super Bowl together was one of the highlights of his career.
His leadership was evident early on as he was named captain in just his second season. He was a captain for 12 consecutive seasons and is one of only seven players in NFL history to start in at least five Super Bowls.
McCourty began his NFL career at cornerback before moving to safety in 2012 after the team suffered a series of injuries at that position. It turned out to be his permanent home from that moment on.
At the end of the 2022 season, Belichick said of McCourty, “He’s done everything a player could do for this program. His leadership off the field, his leadership on the field is superior — as good as anybody’s ever coached at that position. He he’s doing everything right. He’s been doing everything right since he’s been here.”
McCourty, who has previously expressed an interest in sports media, said he is unsure what his next step will be.
“I’m ready to ride that track and see,” he said.