is calling it a career. The longtime safety announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, ending his 13-year run in the league that was spent entirely in New England. The 35-year-old had mulled retirement over the last few seasons and has now finally decided that it is time to walk away."I am officially retiring from the NFL," McCourty told his twin brother and former Patriots teammate Jason in an exclusive interview. "It's always tough to kind of come to the end. as you know. This whole offseason has been so much back and forth for me mentally. Probably not even sharing as Nino Niederreiter Jersey much of the thoughts that I was just going between from one day to the next day. But ultimately I think this is the best decision for me, my family, for my career to be able to look back at my 13 years and just enjoy it." All about the journey | New England Patriots (@Patriots) McCourty added that he was able to speak with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and members of the defensive staff, informing them of his decision."As a Patriots fan, it's always bittersweet to see such an iconic player announce his retirement, but I couldn't be happier for Devin, Alex Stalock Jersey Michelle, and the McCourty family or more thankful to his mother, Phyllis," Kraft said in a statement released by the team. "Through his individual performance and overall leadership, Devin has been such an important part of the succe s we have enjoyed over the past 13 seasons, including each of our last three Super Bowl championships. As great as his contributions were on the field, he made an even greater impact in the community, taking a leadership role in his advocacy for finding a cure for sickle cell anemia, effecting legislative change for criminal justice reform, and championing countle s other educational and economical advancement initiatives. We couldn't have asked for a better leader and amba sador, both on and off the field." NE FS #32 The safety first entered the league as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. He was initially brought aboard as a cornerback, but moved to safety after his first few years in the league and truly began to flourish as one of the NFL's best at the position. McCourty is a three-time second-team All-Pro selection and was named to the Pro Mikko Koivu Jersey Bowl twice in his career. He also departs Foxborough as one of the all-time players in Patriots history. He was a central piece to three of the organization's six Super Bowl titles and is a member of the Patriots' All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team. His 205 games played during the regular season are the fifth-most in team history, and he piled up 982 tackles and 35 interceptions over that stretch. He's second on the franchise's all-time interceptions Devan Dubnyk Jersey list and just the third player in team history with at least 30 interceptions, joining Patriots Hall of Famers Ty Law (also Pro Football Hall of Fame member) and Raymond Clayborn. McCourty also ranks No. 1 in team history in pa s breakups.On top of his elite play, McCourty was one of the pillars of the team's leadership during his tenure, being named a captain for 12 of his 13 seasons."It is a rare group of players who win games at a historic rate, exude team culture, lead, win awards, and win championships," said Belichick. "And then there is Devin McCourty. Devin did all of those things as a player and more. But, what I think of first when I think of Devin is the type of man he is, his character, his values and how high he raised the bar for spreading goodne s and justice in the community. For 13 years, Devin made everyone in our organization feel better and be better because of who he is a pillar of profe sionalism, unselfishne s, work ethic, preparation, intelligence and performance. I am excited to see him bring those same traits to his next chapter and brighten the lives of even more people." As for what he'll do next, McCourty did expre s interest in joining the Zach Parise Jersey media, following in the footsteps of his brother, who currently works for the NFL Network on "Good Morning Football."