FOXBORO — Patriots security Devin McCourty stepped behind a podium contained in the Gillette Stadium media room Monday afternoon for his weekly press convention.
He took questions in regards to the Bills and Thursday night time’s recreation. Then, his personal staff known as an audible.
Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft entered the room and stopped McCourty to honor and congratulate him forward of his two hundredth profession begin Thursday night time. At kickoff, McCourty will turn out to be the twenty fourth participant in NFL historical past to play 200-plus video games for a single franchise and simply the third Patriot after Tom Brady and captain Matthew Slater, who was additionally in attendance. Kraft offered McCourty with a digital collage composed of tiny photos from his 199 profession video games that collectively shaped an image of the veteran security smiling in uniform.
“We don’t usually give personal lauding to any one, but special achievements made by special people deserve special recognition,” Kraft mentioned.
The staff additionally performed a video tribute with clips of McCourty’s present and ex-teammates, relations and even his highschool coach congratulating him on the feat. The 35-year-old captain has began each recreation of his NFL profession because the Patriots chosen him within the first spherical of the 2010 NFL Draft. In New England, McCourty has served as a 12-time captain, received three Super Bowls and been named to 2 Pro Bowls.
“I can’t think of a better leader or ambassador of the team, except maybe for the guy on my left (Slater),” Kraft mentioned. “But I want to thank Devin and congratulate him, and tell him how special it is to all of us.”
McCourty’s contract is about to run out this spring. It’s unknown whether or not he’ll return for a 14th season subsequent yr.
“It’s been a heck of a journey, I’m enjoying every moment of it,” McCourty mentioned. “And a lesson I learned from my brother (former Patriots defensive back Jason McCourty) is just enjoy the moment. Don’t think of anything else but stay present and be in the moment. And what would be cool for a 200th game is a win. So, that’ll be the focus.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com