Long-time New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty has called it a career.
McCourty announced his NFL retirement Friday afternoon on social media.
“BREAKING NEWS!!! It’s not about the destination, McCourty posted on social media. “It’s about the JOURNEY!!”
McCourty spent his entire 13-year career with the Patriots. He produced 971 tackles, 110 pass deflections, 35 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles in 205 career regular-season games — all as a starter. He was one of the most durable players in franchise history. He last missed a regular-season game in 2015.
The 35-year-old is retired as one of the most celebrated players on the Patriots. He was a 12-time team captain, three-time Super Bowl champion and was selected to two Pro Bowls.
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“Devin has been a tremendous asset to this organization and to me personally. He’s been a team captain, leader of our defense really since the day he got here,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of McCourty last November. “His communication, his leadership, work ethic, training, on and off the field. Very fortunate to have him and have had him. He’s been a great asset to this organization.
The Patriots originally drafted McCourty No. 27 overall in the 2010 NFL draft out of Rutgers.
McCourty’s twin brother, Jason, retired in 2022.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Devin McCourty retires: New England Patriots DB ends NFL career