How Patriots’ Defensive Back Devin McCourty Sought God’s Guidance on His Decision to Retire

Published: April 27, 2023

How Patriots’ Defensive Back Devin McCourty Sought God’s Guidance on His Decision to Retire

By Movieguide® Contributor

Devin McCourty, former New England Patriots star defensive back, recently announced his retirement. He played all 13 years of his NFL career with the Patriots.

McCourty shared on the Sports Spectrum Podcast what went into his decision to retire and him seeking God’s guidance.

McCourty stated that he enjoyed playing football the past 13 years in the NFL however, he wants to watch his kids grow up and be involved with their lives.

Normally, if the Patriots don’t make the playoffs McCourty is angry, however this year he found himself enjoying just sitting back and watching the playoffs unfold.

“As I’m watching the game, going over the segments, and were breaking it down, I’m enjoying the game. You know right then and there I knew something was a little different for me, as far as the off-season and how I go as a competitor. I felt like it was changing a little bit. For me, I knew I could still go out there and play, but I don’t think it’s the same level that I’ve played before,” McCourty stated.

Towards the end of last season McCourty read a daily Bible Verse and one day he got stuck on Psalm 143:8.

“In the morning, I wait on your unfailing love, I’ll follow You, to You I give my trust,” he cited.

McCourty wasn’t sure what he was supposed to get from that specific verse, but he dedicated himself to reading it every day, waiting on God to direct him.

He stated, “There was no moment, but I just knew I didn’t have it in me to play another year.”

“I was very content with my career,” McCourty added as he compares his decision to the Apostle Paul and the peace Paul felt amid being in prison.

McCourty won three Super-Bowl’s during his time with the Patriots. He also made the second-team All-Pro three times. In addition, he became the fourth defensive back to have 200 starts with a single team and in March 2023 he finally decided to announcement his retirement.