Devin McCourty

Early years

McCourty attended Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, with his twin brother, Jason McCourty. He played cornerback and free safety and was an all-league selection in his final two seasons. As a senior, he had 50 tackles and three interceptions.

Considered a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, McCourty only received one scholarship offer, which was by Rutgers.

College career

McCourty attended Rutgers University, and played for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team beginning in 2005. After redshirting his first season, McCourty appeared in all 13 games as a freshman in 2006 and recorded 38 tackles and two interceptions. In 2007, McCourty and his twin brother Jason McCourty started at cornerback, with Devin compiling 63 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and three blocked kicks on special teams. He was named an All-Big East Conference academic selection in his first two seasons. McCourty started 13 games at cornerback in his 2008 junior season, picking up 57 tackles, one interception, and a blocked punt. In his final season at Rutgers in 2009, McCourty started 13 games at cornerback, while still also working on special teams units. He had a career-high 80 tackles and also recorded one interception and 10 pass deflections. He also averaged 25.4 yards on kickoff returns and had a 98-yard kickoff return, third-longest in school history. Following the season, he was named to the All-Big East first team.

McCourty graduated from Rutgers with a bachelor's degree in sociology.

2010 season

McCourty was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round (27th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a five-year contract on July 28, 2010. Following a preseason injury to veteran Leigh Bodden, McCourty began his rookie season as a starter at cornerback. On October 24, 2010, McCourty recorded his first career interception against the San Diego Chargers, jumping in front of a Philip Rivers pass intended for Patrick Crayton. In a Thanksgiving Day game against the Detroit Lions, McCourty recorded two interceptions, the first multi-interception game of his career. In Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, McCourty forced a Johnny Knox fumble that was recovered by Patriots linebacker Gary Guyton for a 35-yard touchdown return. In Week 15, he recorded his first career sack.

McCourty finished his rookie season, having started all 16 games, with 82 tackles, 7 interceptions, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 17 passes defensed. He was named to the 2011 Pro Bowl, and was named a First Team All-Pro by the Sporting News and Second Team All-Pro by The Associated Press. Other than winner Ndamukong Suh, McCourty was the only rookie to earn votes (2 of 50) for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

2012 season

During week 7, on October 21, 2012, McCourty got his first career kickoff return touchdown in a 29-26 overtime win against the New York Jets. McCourty was subsequently named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 7. After Aqib Talib was traded to the Patriots, McCourty was permanently converted to safety.

Over the entire season, McCourty played a grand total of 1,329 snaps, including special teams, the most of any defensive player in the NFL, and the third highest total of any NFL player, behind two of his offensive lineman teammates, Ryan Wendell and Nate Solder.

2013 season

In the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, McCourty made a pledge to aid recovery efforts with a donation of $100 for every tackle he makes during the 2013 season, and $200 per interception. The pledge follows a similar offer by Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola ($100 per reception, $200 per dropped pass). McCourty finished the season with 69 tackles and 1 interception.

2014 season

In Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, McCourty had an interception that was returned 60 yards until he was pushed out at the 1-yard line. McCourty also made an interception on Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. On February 1, 2015, McCourty won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots over the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24.

2015 season

On March 2, 2015, the New England Patriots decided not to use the franchise tag on him, instead tagging kicker Stephen Gostkowski. However, the Patriots came to an agreement with McCourty on March 8, two days before McCourty reached free agency. McCourty's new contract is for 5 years and $47.5 million. It includes a $15 million signing bonus and $7 million in fully guaranteed salary. McCourty was named co-captain for the fifth straight year and started all 14 regular season games after missing two games due to injury. He registered 63 tackles, one sack, one interception, and five passes defensed. He started both postseason games and posted seven tackles and two passes defended.

2016 season

McCourty was once again named co-captain for the sixth straight year. On December 20, McCourty was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl, his second time receiving the honor. He was also named second-team All-Pro. On February 5, 2017, McCourty was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime. The Patriots erased a 28-3 deficit to win the game over the Falcons.

Personal life

McCourty's twin brother, Jason McCourty, also attended Rutgers and started across from him at the other cornerback spot. He has played in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans and currently plays for the Cleveland Browns. They are one of only 12 sets of twins in NFL history and are one of three active set of twins to currently play, along with Mike Pouncey/Maurkice Pouncey and Brandon Dixon/Brian Dixon.