Devin McCourty

Devin and Jason McCourty are twin brothers who are both starting defensive backs in the National Football League.

Devin, who graduated from Rutgers in 2010 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology, was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots, where he plays safety and is a team captain. Devin is one of only three players in NFL history to be named All Pro at both safety and cornerback. In 2015, he was a major contributor to the Patriots’ Super Bowl championship team.

After graduating from Rutgers in 2009 with a bachelor of arts degree in information technology, Jason was drafted in the sixth round by the Tennessee Titans, where he is a cornerback and team captain. In 2011, Jason led all NFL cornerbacks in tackles.

In addition to their many on-field achievements, the McCourty twins are tireless advocates for sickle cell disease awareness. In 2013, the twins launched the Tackle Sickle Cell Campaign in partnership with Embrace Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that offers programs and support services to children and families facing cancer, sickle cell disease, and other serious disorders. The campaign aims to educate the public, increase the number of blood donors, and raise money and awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder that disproportionately affects African Americans. Since its inception, the campaign has hosted blood drives and fundraising events in New Jersey as well as in Boston and Nashville, where the twins play for their respective NFL teams.

Both Devin and Jason were nominated for the 2015 Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the highest honor the NFL Players Association can bestow on a player, in recognition of their extensive community service in their team cities and hometowns.

They have also received individual accolades. Devin was nominated for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in both 2014 and 2015, and received the 2015 Champion Award from Boston Children’s Hospital for his dedication to supporting kids and tackling sickle cell disease.

Jason was named a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. While at Rutgers, Jason was a semifinalist for the prestigious Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy (now known as the William V. Campbell Trophy), given to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. The award is commonly referred to as the “Academic Heisman.”