Photo by: (Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics)
McCourty, An All-Pro On and Off The Field
Dec 06 | Football
There will be one notable difference on Sundays when Devin McCourty takes the field for the New England Patriots. The nine-year Pro Bowl safety will be sporting a new helmet decal as the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This is the third nomination for McCourty, who was also recognized in 2014 and 2015.
"It's an honor, but honestly the award represents my brother Jason as well," said Devin. "Most importantly I hope it brings a spotlight to the people we're trying to serve. The work off the field and in the community has been extremely rewarding and something that has always been a passion of ours."
The award recognizes an NFL player for their service to the community and off-field causes. McCourty has played an integral role in many of the league's philanthropic efforts, including the NFL Play 60 program as well as various holiday initiatives. He has also been a vocal figure in the fight for criminal justice reform within the state of Massachusetts.
In addition to his work with the league and franchise, Devin and his brother Jason, have made it their mission to fight the battle against sickle cell disease. The pair partnered with N.J.-based non-profit Embrace Kids Foundation in 2013 to create their McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell campaign. The goal of the program is to educate the public, increase blood donations, and raise money and awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease.
McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell has organized several fundraisers since its inception, including blood drives, a casino night fundraiser and 5k walk/run. In October the twins were named the Week 7 NFLPA Community MVPs after their Casino Night in Boston raised over $200,000. The foundation has raised more than $1.25 million in donations towards research.
Malka Sports President and CEO, Pat Capra, who manages the McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell campaign has seen first-hand their commitment to giving back and the importance both McCourtys place on serving the community.
"The McCourty twins are two of the most impressive humans I've ever met," said Capra. "What they have accomplished on the field has brought them fame, but the remarkable achievements away from the field is what will be their legacy. They have given a face and voice to a community who has felt voiceless and forgotten. This is Devin's third nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and that speaks volumes about his continued selflessness."
The 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient will be announced on Feb. 2 in Atlanta. The award winner will receive $500,000 to be donated in his name, half of which will directed to expand the Character Playbook, the NFL and United Way's digital character education program. The remaining $250,000 will be donated to the charity of the recipient's choice. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to a charity of their choice.
All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to a charity of their choice.
"It's an honor, but honestly the award represents my brother Jason as well," said Devin. "Most importantly I hope it brings a spotlight to the people we're trying to serve. The work off the field and in the community has been extremely rewarding and something that has always been a passion of ours."
The award recognizes an NFL player for their service to the community and off-field causes. McCourty has played an integral role in many of the league's philanthropic efforts, including the NFL Play 60 program as well as various holiday initiatives. He has also been a vocal figure in the fight for criminal justice reform within the state of Massachusetts.
Devin's dedication to making a difference dates back to his childhood.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 6, 2018
Today, he uses his platform as a Patriot to leave an impact in New England & beyond.@McCourtyTwins | #WPMOYChallengeMcCourty pic.twitter.com/a2CPe07SiW
In addition to his work with the league and franchise, Devin and his brother Jason, have made it their mission to fight the battle against sickle cell disease. The pair partnered with N.J.-based non-profit Embrace Kids Foundation in 2013 to create their McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell campaign. The goal of the program is to educate the public, increase blood donations, and raise money and awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease.
McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell has organized several fundraisers since its inception, including blood drives, a casino night fundraiser and 5k walk/run. In October the twins were named the Week 7 NFLPA Community MVPs after their Casino Night in Boston raised over $200,000. The foundation has raised more than $1.25 million in donations towards research.
Malka Sports President and CEO, Pat Capra, who manages the McCourty Twins Tackle Sickle Cell campaign has seen first-hand their commitment to giving back and the importance both McCourtys place on serving the community.
"The McCourty twins are two of the most impressive humans I've ever met," said Capra. "What they have accomplished on the field has brought them fame, but the remarkable achievements away from the field is what will be their legacy. They have given a face and voice to a community who has felt voiceless and forgotten. This is Devin's third nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and that speaks volumes about his continued selflessness."
The 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient will be announced on Feb. 2 in Atlanta. The award winner will receive $500,000 to be donated in his name, half of which will directed to expand the Character Playbook, the NFL and United Way's digital character education program. The remaining $250,000 will be donated to the charity of the recipient's choice. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to a charity of their choice.
Devin McCourty is the #Patriots nominee for the 2018 @NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award: https://t.co/KXHU1MAeOf@McCourtyTwins | #WPMOYChallengeMcCourty pic.twitter.com/JL2P9QbtKM
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 6, 2018
All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to a charity of their choice.
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