'I think about those relationships': McCourty's love for Catholic school shaped his life

Catholic school made a lasting impression on Devin McCourty.

It was eye-opening for the three-time New England Patriots Super Bowl champion when he first stepped foot inside Saint Joseph Regional Catholic high school in Montvale, N.J.

"I think the biggest thing for me back then that jumped off the screen was 99% of the kids graduated and went to college," he said. "Catholic school gave me an unbelievable opportunity. I think for the first time as a young adult, I got to go to an institution where everyone was striving to be college graduates and striving to be successful."

McCourty spoke about his passion for Catholic schools in front of hundreds at White’s of Westport during the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education's 28th annual Fall Scholarship Dinner. Proceeds from the evening support need-based scholarships to students attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River.

"It is incredible to have Devin here, being a champion for Catholic education," Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts Miriam "Mim" Sherman said. "We're so used to seeing Devin playing at Gillette Stadium. But to hear him tonight talking about his faith and the importance of Catholic education is just so meaningful."

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Sherman said each year, FACE distribute $1.2 million to $1.4 million in scholarship aid to support the kids in the Diocese of Fall River to attend a Catholic school. Scholarships to 1,000 students annually range from $250 to $2,500 each.

McCourty, 35, first heard about the event from his good friend Ed Hurley, an Attleboro resident, who use to be director of the Hockomock YMCA.

"I have a great relationship with Ed and the work he does with the YMCA," he said. "He reached out to me and said I know this is something that impacted you from the conversions we had. It is great when you get to support causes, not only do you believe in, but what you benefitted from."

The Patriots captain has been involved with numerous organizations and causes over the years, including Tackle Sickle Cell, which he founded with his identical twin brother Jason McCourty. Other organizations are Boston Uncornered, Bottom Line, and the TEARS Foundation.

From early days to the Patriots

McCourty's father, Calvin, died from a heart attack related to complications from asthma when McCourty was only 3 years old.

Both Devin and Jason tried talking their mom, Phyllis, into letting them go to public school, where their friends were, but she decided on Catholic school. As youngsters, the McCourty twins promised one another they'd get scholarships to college to ease their mother's financial hardship.

McCourty said had it not been for financial aid from his high school his success story might not have happened.

"Jay and I going there were because my mom could afford it," he said. "Luckily, there was aid available for our income. That was the reason we went there. Hopefully, the [foundation] helps the kids get that opportunity and change lives."

Devin was drafted by New England in the first round (27th overall) of the 2010 National Football League Draft. McCourty entered the 2022 season having played 188 career regular season games. He started every game that he's played in the regular season and playoffs.

Most recently, he is first among active players with 30 or more career interceptions. The Patriots are 26-4 when McCourty has a pick in a regular season game.

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"We have students from every one of our Fall River Diocese Catholic schools here tonight so they can have a chance to meet him," Sherman said. "It is great to see him on the field but it is even better to see him in person."

Advocate for Catholic school

McCourty addressed the large gathering with stories about his days at St. Joseph Regional. He joked and did a short Q&A with students in attendance. When asked what made going there so special, McCourty said it was the people.

"I think about those relationships," he said. "Being at that school [where] everyone did their job. We had a lot of faculty members who truly cared about the students. I think that's why I've been able to keep lasting relationships.

"It's across the board for a lot of my friends, not just me and Jason, because we made it to the NFL. Being someone around amazing people like that goes a long way when you want to be successful and you want to do good things in life."

The dinner program included the presentation of the Timothy J. Cotter Friend of Catholic Education Award. Sandra Sevigney, a longtime former FACE Board member, was recognized for her many years of leadership and support of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River. Sevigney is a member of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet.

Bishop Stang senior and tennis player Brendan Resende also gave remarks on what it means to attend Catholic schools in the area.

McCourty has three children — daughter Londyn, and sons Brayden and Chase — with his wife, Michelle. McCourty said he wants to guide his kids in the same direction he had.

"Putting me in that environment as a kid brought the best out of me and taught me a lot of discipline and ways to become a good human being," McCourty said. "If I could help out young people to get that opportunity, I want to be there to help them out."

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Chezsports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Devin McCourty helps Fall River Diocese FACE raise scholarship funds