‘MR. PATRIOT’ EARNS HONOR BY NONPROFIT
Boston Uncornered to recognize Devin McCourty on June 9 in online fundraiser
Devin McCourty is known as being “Mr. Patriot.” At least, that’s how longtime teammate Matthew Slater refers to him.
Between performing every task the right way, being a great role model for his work in the community, and how he attacks his job, Slater couldn’t think of a better example of what “the (Patriots) organization hopes to stand for.”
It’s hard to argue. McCourty walks the walk, and talks the talk. The Patriots defensive captain has been a great champion not only on the football field, but off it as well — especially when it comes to social causes.
It’s no surprise Devin and his brother Jason were nominated as finalists for this year’s Muhammed Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, given to an athlete whose “continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports.”
To that end, one of the many causes where McCourty has provided that kind of impact is with the organization known as Boston Uncornered, a nonprofit that offers former or current gang members the opportunity to get into and through college, so they can go on and earn a living wage and become positive influencers in their community.
In appreciation for McCourty’s work with the group, Boston Uncornered is honoring McCourty on June 9 and combining the celebration to help raise money during the hour-long online event.
Pro Football Hall of Fame broadcaster Andrea Kremer, another Boston Uncornered supporter, is hosting the fundraiser, which will feature a number of special guests.
Last week, the Herald spoke with McCourty about the fundraiser and his dedication to social causes.
McCourty said he got involved with Boston Uncornered because he was looking for outfits to support utilizing the Patriots’ social justice matching fund, which the NFL implemented for all teams in 2018, as owners donate $250,000 annually to go toward local, grassroots organizations working in their respective cities. Players then match the amount through donations of their own, selecting organizations to receive grants.
The appeal of this particular organization? Initially, it was their platform that caught McCourty’s eye.
“Paying former gang members to go to school, it struck me that they were doing something different,
going against the grain to try to create change,” said McCourty. “From there, I got to speak with different people and fully understood the mission, giving men and women the opportunity to have money in their pockets, and not have to worry about where they’re going to get their next meal … so they can actually do some of the things people with money can focus on, like going to school, raising kids the right way. Once I got to be involved, and got a closer look, it was amazing to me the work they were doing.”
McCourty, a consistent supporter of nonprofits and organizations that make jobs and education possible for underserved populations, has spent time with students in their Dorchester neighborhoods to get a feel for the groups that have been helped.
Last season, he singled out Boston Uncornered for the “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, another collaboration between the NFL and its players, which allows players to visibly show their support for causes that are important to them.
“It’s been cool for me to see first hand some of the things they do,” said McCourty. “It’s opened my eyes how beneficial this can be in different communities.”
His work with Boston Uncornered is just one cause that helped earn his nomination for the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award, which will be presented at the 2020 ESPYs on June 21. McCourty is both humbled by the honor, and thrilled that many of the groups and organizations he champions are being recognized during the process.
“It’s awesome. What it really means is a great honor for everyone involved with anything I’ve done. Everything we’ve done from a social justice standpoint has involved so many different people,” said McCourty. “All the people from the Players Coalition, people in the Patriots organization, our marketing group … to me whenever we get nominated for something, I think of all the people who make (Jason) and me look really good and help us do these different things.
“But just getting nominated for something like this is an automatic win,” McCourty went on, “because every organization we’ve worked with, everyone we’ve spoken to, they all win. They get some press, they get talked about, they get the spotlight, and that’s well-deserved.
“Obviously, it’s an incredible honor because of what Muhammed Ali stood for, and what he represents … an athlete who stood up for something he believes in. So just having your name mentioned with his name, and the different people on the list … it’s very humbling.”
Kremer, reached last week, wasn’t surprised by McCourty’s nomination for the Ali award. She also believes the Patriots’ threetime Super Bowl champion is “the perfect person” to be honored at the upcoming fundraiser for Boston Uncornered.
“I think he’s really learned that his position, in this community, by virtue of being a football player, gives him the opportunity to learn, first and foremost, about a lot of these issues, and then to really give a voice to things he thinks are really important,” said Kremer. “I just think his work is so genuine.
“And this (event) is about celebrating Devin, and truly honoring him, and entertaining people. And if people feel moved once they learn what we’re all about, and want to donate, that’s great.”
McCourty was looking forward to the online fete, although he was a little nervous about the “special guests” who are expected to join the event and speak about him.
Cracked the Patriots safety: “They’re definitely not approved by me. I haven’t gotten any list with the people that might be coming on, so I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m sure there’s a lot of people that would love to roast me, so I wouldn’t be surprised.”
The virtual event will be held live at 8 p.m. Those interested in attending can register for the link at www.uncornered.org.
NOTE: On Saturday, the McCourty family revealed some devastating news on social media. Devin and his wife Michelle tweeted they were grieving the loss of their stillborn child, Mia. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCourty family. Organizers have informed The Herald the event is still going on as planned.