Devin and Jason McCourty are not just difference makers on the New England Patriots’ top-ranked defense, but also in the community. Ever since the two defensive backs joined the organization in 2010 and 2018, respectively, they are actively supporting charitable causes — their Tackle Sickle Cell campaign stands out — and also serving as advocates to create the best possible opportunities for children and teenagers all over Massachusetts.
The McCourty twins have not just pushed for criminal justice reform — urging lawmakers to increase both the age at which children can be charged in juvenile court, and the age of adult court jurisdiction — but also led efforts on a bill that will invest $1.5 billion in the Commonwealth’s public education system over the next seven years, with a special focus on underfunded schools attended by low-income students.
As a recognition of their work, the McCourtys have now been nominated for the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. The award, which will be handed out at the 2020 ESPYs on June 21, is given “ to an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports” and comes with a $100,000 grant from ESPN to a charity related to the winning efforts.
Jason and Devin later used the adjectives blessed, humbled and honored to describe their thoughts on the nomination:
Blessed! Honored! Humbled! To be a finalist and to be mentioned in the same sentence as Muhammad Ali and the other finalist for this award! pic.twitter.com/h3UPUL5rkf
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) May 21, 2020
While it remains to be seen whether or not the McCourty twins will win the award, they have already secured a $25,000 grant for a charity related to their work — something that they have in common with the four other finalists: Nelson Cruz of MLB’s Minnesota Twins, Kevin Love of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Maya Moore of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, and WWE’s Titus O’Neil.