Miami Dolphins' Jason McCourty retires after 13 NFL seasons

Veteran cornerback 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 the Tennessee Titans, with whom he played eight seasons, McCourty went from the lowest low in the NFL to experiencing the highest high. He was part of the winless Cleveland Browns in 2017 but then won a Super Bowl ring the following season with the New England Patriots while playing alongside his twin brother, Devin.

«These past 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey,» Jason McCourty said in an Instagram post. «And as I reflect and look back on my career, I have far surpassed any and every expectation I set for myself back in 2009 — and that's what I'm most proud of when I look back at my career.»

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins)

McCourty made one of the biggest plays of Super Bowl LIII, sprinting across the end zone to break up a pass to a wide-open Brandin Cooks. New England went on to beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

While the championship was special for McCourty, so too was playing with his twin brother for three seasons (44 games, 33 starts).

One of the most memorable exchanges between the two came in the celebration after the Patriots' 37-31 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. As they shared an emotional embrace, Devin — who had already won two Super Bowls — exulted to Jason: «Welcome to the Super Bowl! Welcome to the Super Bowl!»

Jason McCourty signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, playing seven games before being placed on season-ending injured reserve in October 2021.

A five-time captain, McCourty was known for his leadership ability on and off