McCourty happy to give back to community in any way possible
PROVIDENCE — Patriots safety Devin McCourty enjoyed his hour-long shift at the Dunkin’ Donuts on 251 Smith St. so much that he told a crowded room to expect him back on Thursday.
Here’s the rub: there’s an organized-team activity practice scheduled at Gillette Stadium.
“Will Bill Belichick mind?” someone shouted at McCourty.
With a wry smile, the veteran safety replied, “Nah, he won’t.”
Offseason logistics aside, McCourty proved to be a hit while manning the drive-thru and counter for 10 minutes each in conjunction with a worthy cause. Wednesday was Iced Coffee Day, and Dunkin’ Donuts took the occasion to donate $1 from every ice coffee sold in Rhode Island to support Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
“Just having fun, putting smiles on people’s faces, and handing out coffee,” McCourty said.
“The guests were definitely shocked,” said Barbara Babin, Dunkin’ Donuts district manager.
Babin found out on Monday about a special celebratory guest heading to one of the Dunkin’ shops she oversees. Once word got out that McCourty was taking coffee orders, a Providence police officer soon arrived to manage the crowd.
“This shows that Patriots fans are extremely loyal and that anything Patriots-related is a big draw,” said Laura Joyce, who’s the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts on 1009 Smith St. That location was scheduled to receive a visit from New England team mascot Pat Patriot on Wednesday afternoon.
Babin and Joyce said their Dunkin’ location hit the jackpot with McCourty, who wore a red t-shirt and jeans and must have felt like an NFL coach when wearing a headset as part of his drive-thru experience.
“He couldn’t have been any nicer,” Babin said. “He was very friendly with everyone.”
“People showed up just to hang out. Even if it’s them telling a short story, it’s about having fun,” McCourty said.
McCourty made one youngster’s day memorable when he presented 13-yearold Alex Herson of Westerly with an autographed football. Herson is a patient at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
“I’m always down to help out the kids and engage with different people in the community,” McCourty said.
Now in his ninth season with the Patriots, McCourty didn’t escape Dunkin’ Donuts without being asked as to the whereabouts of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski during OTA workouts. His response suggested that no one inside the New England locker room is too concerned that the star quarterback and tight end have been absent from practice.
“I’ve never worried about those two, but you may want to shoot them a text or phone call. That’s the best way to get an answer to that one,” McCourty said.