No. 32 thanks fans with 37 billboards
Devin Mccourty may be gone, but the longtime Patriots safety ensured Tuesday he won’t soon be forgotten.
Mccourty purchased space on 37 billboards throughout eastern Massachusetts to thank fans for their support over his 13-year career. Half of the billboards read: “Thank you NE! You helped a young kid become a man, father, husband and a 3x champ!” The other half displayed a collage of photos featuring Mccourty’s family and twin brother, Jason, who played in New England from 2018-20.
Mccourty later tweeted a photo of himself in front of one of the billboards. The 35-year-old announced his retirement last week and intends to pursue a career in sports media. The Patriots will be holding a retirement press conference next Tuesday at the team’s Hall of Fame at 2 p.m.
“It has been a great ride,” Mccourty told his twin brother and NFL Network analyst Jason Mccourty on
Friday. “I got the opportunity to talk to Mr. Kraft, to talk to Bill (Belichick), a lot of the guys on the defensive staff. Unbelievable ride, man, and 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, my family, for my career. To be able to look back on my 13 years and just enjoy it.”
Mccourty entered the league as a first-round draft pick in 2010 and became the fourth player in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He later earned All-pro second team honors in 2013 and 2016, and ranks third in Patriots history with 35 career regular-season interceptions, trailing only Ty Law and Raymond Clayborn. He was voted a captain every season after his rookie year and finished his career as a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler.
“For 13 years, Devin made everyone in our organization feel better and be better because of who he is — a pillar of professionalism, unselfishness, work ethic, preparation, intelligence and performance,” Bill Belichick said in a statement last week. “I am excited to see him bring those same traits to his next chapter and brighten the lives of even more people.”
15 rule changes proposed
NFL teams submitted 15 rule changes this week for owners to review during the league’s annual meetings later this month, including five that would alter the replay review system.
Among the proposals were amendments that would allow coaches to challenge personal fouls, allow referees to consult on penalty enforcement and allow coaches to receive a third challenge if they win one of their first two challenges. The Rams introduced another proposal that would make roughing the passer penalties reviewable and/or able to be challenged.
The Eagles are pushing to change the the onside kick. According to their rule change, a scoring team could maintain possession if it converts a fourth-and-20 down from their own 20-yard line immediately after a touchdown or field goal. Owners rejected previous proposals built around a fourthand-15 conversion. Philadelphia also proposed players should be able to wear the No. 0 on their uniforms.
Twenty-five teams also proposed combining all of the NFL’S preseason roster cut deadlines into a single day at the end of the summer.
Extra points
As of late Tuesday night, the Patriots’ remaining inhouse free agents were running back Damien Harris, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, safety Jabrill Peppers, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste, linebacker Mack Wilson, long snapper Joe Cardona, safety Cody Davis and cornerback Joejuan Williams. … Patriots defensive line coach Demarcus Covington and director of college scouting Camren Williams
attended Clemson’s Pro Day on Tuesday. Covington also worked out the defensive line prospects, including projected firstround picks Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee … Former Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, who reportedly had interest from New England, reached terms with the Raiders … Former Pats cornerback Stephon Gilmore and guard Shaq Mason were both traded for late-round picks. The Colts sent Gilmore to Dallas for a fifth-rounder and Mason went to Houston in a pickswap deal.