Devin McCourty
The cerebral and durable safety who became the defensive backbone of the New England Patriots' second dynasty, starting a record number of playoff games.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: August 13·Millennials
Biography
Devin McCourty's career is a masterclass in consistency and football intelligence. Drafted in the first round out of Rutgers, he immediately slotted in as a cornerback, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie. But his legacy was forged after a move to free safety, where his pre-snap communication, range, and sure tackling became the glue of the Patriots' defense for a decade. He missed only a handful of games in 13 seasons, a testament to his preparation and durability. McCourty wasn't just a fixture; he was a winner, starting in three Super Bowl victories and playing in five. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he and his twin brother Jason became vocal advocates for social justice, using their platform to push for change within the league and their communities. When he retired, he left with the record for most postseason starts by any defensive player, a fitting capstone for a player defined by his reliability when the lights were brightest.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Devin was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Devin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Devin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI, LIII) as a starting safety for the New England Patriots.
- Holds the NFL record for most postseason starts by a defensive player.
- Selected to the Pro Bowl twice, first as a cornerback (2010) and later as a safety (2016).
- Played his entire 13-year career with the Patriots, missing only five regular-season games.
Did You Know?
He and his twin brother, Jason, were the first twins to play against each other in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl LII).
He earned his master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina while playing in the NFL.
He was a team captain for the Patriots for 12 consecutive seasons.
He intercepted a pass in his first NFL game and returned it for a touchdown.
“The defense is a puzzle, and my job is to make sure all the pieces fit.”
