Devin McCourty retires: A look back at a Patriots All-Time great

New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty has announced his retirement from the NFL.

There was a lot of speculation heading into the offseason on what McCourty’s future looked like and now after 13 seasons, three of which included Super Bowl championships, McCourty is hanging up his cleats. In a video posted to Instagram, McCourty expressed his thoughts on his retirement.

"“I’m officially retiring from the NFL. It has been a great ride. I’ve got the opportunity to Mr Kraft, to talk to Bill, a lot of the guys on the defensive staff. Unbelievable ride, man. I think it’s always tough to kind of come to the end, as you know. This whole offseason has been so much back and forth for me mentally, probably not even sharing as much of the thoughts that I was just going between from one day to the next day. But ultimately, I think this is the best decision for me, my family, for my career, is to be able to now look back now at my 13 years and just enjoy it.”"

A look back at Devin McCourty’s New England Patriots career

Devin McCourty was selected by the Patriots in the first round, 27th overall, of the 2010 NFL Draft and he went on to become one of the greatest and most beloved Patriots in the team’s history.

In 13 seasons he recorded 971 combined tackles (231 assisted and 740 solo). He also had 35 interceptions, with his career-high being 7 in his rookie season. In his final season, he recorded 71 combined tackles (17 assisted and 54 solo) and four interceptions.

Along with being a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, he has been named a second-team All-Pro three times (2010, 2013, 2016) and is a two-time Pro Bowler (2010, 2016). He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2010 and was named to both the New England Patriots All-2010s team and the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team.

In statements released, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick expressed their love for McCourty:

Kraft:

"“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.“We couldn’t have asked for a better leader and ambassador, both on and off the field.”"

Belichick:

"“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. Devin did all those things as a player and more.”“For 13 years, Devin made everyone in our organisation feel better and be better because of who he is – a pillar of professionalism, unselfishness, work ethic, preparation, intelligence and performance.”"

A future New England Patriots Hall of Famer who is beloved by fans, his fellow players and coaches, Devin McCourty’s presence will be missed on-field, however, the legacy he leaves behind will stay with the New England Patriots forever.