Patriots' Devin McCourty announces retirement

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after 13 seasons, which included three Super Bowl championships.

«I'm officially retiring from the NFL. It has been a great ride,» McCourty said in a video posted to Instagram with his twin brother, Jason. «I think it's always tough to come to the end. This whole offseason has been so much back-and-forth for me mentally, but ultimately I think this is the best decision for me, for my family, and my career.»

McCourty said he spoke with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and members of the team's defensive coaching staff about his decision.

«I got to say to Bill, 'Now I get the chance to reminisce and look back and not have to focus on how can I be better.'»

McCourty, who turns 36 in August, entered the NFL as a first-round draft choice of the Patriots in 2010 out of Rutgers (No. 27 overall).

He played in 205 regular-season games for the franchise (fifth most in team history), starting all of them and totaling 982 tackles and 35 interceptions.

The 35 picks, which are third most in franchise history behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law and Patriots Hall of Famer Raymond Clayborn, are the most among active players.

He also started 24 playoff games, more than any defensive back in NFL history, amassing 118 tackles and two interceptions.

McCourty had said teaming up with Jason in 2018 and winning a Super Bowl title together was one of his career highlights.

His leadership was evident early as he was named a captain in only his second season. He served as a captain for 12 straight seasons and is one of just seven players in NFL history to start in at least five Super Bowls.

McCourty began his