Patriots Safety Devin McCourty Reaches 30 Career Interceptions

Robert Alvarez

2 years ago at 4:50 pm ET

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

During the New England Patriots shutout victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, safety Devin McCourty reached a career milestone when he recorded his 30th career interception in the fourth quarter off quarterback Matt Ryan.

Devin McCourty with the over-the-top INT! @McCourtyTwins

📺: #NEvsATL on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/196WRgEewZ pic.twitter.com/juazfwCmS2

— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2021

The interception moved McCourty into an elite group on the Patriots all-time interception list, he joins Ty Law (36) and Raymond Clayborn (36) as the only three players to ever reach 30 total interceptions in their respective Patriots careers.

Following Thursday’s game, McCourty was recognized for his achievement by head coach Bill Belichick and received a game ball.

The interception was the second of the 2021 season for McCourty and his first since Week 2.

McCourty later tweeted out the special significance of interception number 30 to him, highlighting that 30 is his brother’s jersey number and that would dedicate the pick to Jason as he battles back from a foot injury in Miami with the Dolphins.

30 for my guy 30(Jmac) I know how much he wants to be out there with his team #mybrotherskeeper -Dmac https://t.co/SoTjKDVzlM

— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) November 19, 2021

McCourty’s alma mater, Rutgers University tweeted out a congratulatory tribute video commemorating his career milestone.

Congratulations Devin McCourty for becoming the 3rd @Patriots in history with 30 INTs. @McCourtyTwins | #NFLKnights pic.twitter.com/8lDIAWXtQp

— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) November 22, 2021

McCourty, a first-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2010, began his career as a cornerback where he remained for the first two seasons of his career, logging nine interceptions. In 2012, McCourty shifted to safety where he has played ever since.

Through 12 seasons, McCourty has 878 total tackles to go along with the 30 interceptions and two Pro Bowl selections.

So what milestone is up next for McCourty? Should he return to the Patriots in 2022, McCourty could become the sixth Patriot to play in 200 games with the franchise following Matthew Slater who reached that mark on Thursday against Atlanta. He presently sits at 182 career games.