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Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
Veteran defender Jason McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, marking the end of a 13-season career for the former sixth-round draft pick.
Originally drafted in 2009 by Tennessee Titans, with whom he played eight seasons, McCourty went from the lowest level in the NFL to experiencing the highest. He’s part of the undefeated Cleveland Browns in 2017 but then won a Super Bowl ring the following season with New England Patriots while playing with his twin brother, Devin.
Jason McCourty said in an Instagram post: “The past 13 seasons have been a hell of a journey. “And as I reflect and look back on my career, I have exceeded all of the expectations I set for myself in 2009 – and that’s what I’m most proud of when looking back on my career.”
McCourty performed one of the biggest plays of Super Bowl LIII, sprinting through the end zone to cross an open entryway. Brandin Cooks. New England has continued to beat Los Angeles Rams 13-3.
While the championship was special for McCourty, he also played with his twin for three seasons (44 games, 33 starts).
One of the most memorable exchanges between the two took place in celebration of the Patriots’ 37-31 victory over Chief of Kansas City during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. As they shared an emotional hug, Devin – who has won two Super Bowls – excitedly said to Jason, “Welcome to the Super Bowl! Welcome to the Super Bowl!”
Jason McCourty signed with Miami Dolphins in 2021, playing seven games before being placed on the bench due to a season-ending injury in October 2021.
A five-time captain, McCourty is known for his leadership on and off the pitch. He was elected captain during his lone season in Miami and won the Don Shula Leadership Award despite playing less than half the season.
McCourty and his brother were also NFLPA Community MVPs in 2018 after raising $200,000 for Tackle Sickle Cell – a cause they both enthusiastically supported throughout their careers. For their work, both received Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations.
In total, Jason McCourty played 173 regular games over 13 seasons, finishing with 18 interceptions, 9 forced fumbles and 4 touchdowns total.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss contributed to this report.
