Miami Dolphins’ Jason McCourty retires after 13 NFL seasons

Veteran cornerback Jason McCourty introduced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, marking the tip of a 13-season profession for the previous sixth-round draft decide.

Initially drafted in 2009 by the Tennessee Titans, with whom he performed eight seasons, McCourty went from the bottom low within the NFL to experiencing the very best excessive. He was a part of the winless Cleveland Browns in 2017 however then gained a Tremendous Bowl ring the next season with the New England Patriots whereas taking part in alongside his twin brother, Devin.

“These previous 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey,” Jason McCourty mentioned in an Instagram publish. “And as I replicate and look again on my profession, I’ve far surpassed any and each expectation I set for myself again in 2009 — and that is what I am most happy with after I look again at my profession.”

McCourty made one of many greatest performs of Tremendous Bowl LIII, sprinting throughout the tip zone to interrupt up a move to a wide-open Brandin Cooks. New England went on to beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

Whereas the championship was particular for McCourty, so too was taking part in along with his twin brother for 3 seasons (44 video games, 33 begins).

Some of the memorable exchanges between the 2 got here within the celebration after the Patriots’ 37-31 victory towards the Kansas City Chiefs within the AFC Championship Recreation at Arrowhead Stadium. As they shared an emotional embrace, Devin — who had already gained two Tremendous Bowls — exulted to Jason: “Welcome to the Tremendous Bowl! Welcome to the Tremendous Bowl!”

Jason McCourty signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, taking part in seven video games earlier than being positioned on season-ending injured reserve in October 2021.

A five-time captain, McCourty was identified for his management capability on and off the sector. He was named a crew captain throughout his lone season in Miami and gained the Don Shula Management Award regardless of taking part in lower than half a season.

McCourty and his brother have been additionally NFLPA Neighborhood MVPs in 2018 after elevating $200,00zero for Deal with Sickle Cell — a trigger they’ve each passionately advocated for all through their careers. For his or her work, each obtained Walter Payton Man of the Yr nominations.

In whole, Jason McCourty performed 173 regular-season video games over 13 seasons, ending with 18 interceptions, 9 compelled fumbles and 4 whole touchdowns.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss contributed to this report.