The New England Patriots accumulated a league-high eight opt-outs over the past couple of weeks. Dont’a Hightower, Patrick Chung and Brandon Bolden led the pack of important players who made the decision.
New England couldn’t afford another loss, especially in the secondary — which was one of the best groups in the league last year. Devin and Jason McCourty, 32, are instrumental pieces in the secondary and their absence could’ve changed the trajectory of the season entirely.
Fortunately for Bill Belichick, the twins said they never even considered opting out.
“Obviously, there’s a pandemic going on,” Jason said on Friday, transcribed by NESN. “There’s a lot of things that we don’t know and a lot of steps that we’re taking, and we’re continuing to learn each and every day about the coronavirus. There’s just so much uncertainty that comes (with) it.
“As far as I’m concerned, I never — and I think me and Dev have both spoken a lot about our stance on everything that goes on — I don’t think either one of us ever thought about actually opting out. The opt-out itself just wasn’t worth it. I think for us, the love of the game and the ability to go out there — we didn’t really have a lot of issues that other people have, whether it was newborn kids, whether it was things that put them in high risk or close family members that put them in high risk.
“So for us, it was strictly from a family standpoint, we felt like it was worth it to give it a try and see what we were up against. And being able come into the building, seeing the things that would be done (to protect players), I think we thought it was necessary to go through that process. And I think us, like anybody in our society right now, if it was something that was at an extremely high risk to you or your family, of course you wouldn’t continue to do it if you could stop it. But I think for all of us right now that are playing that are in our building — I can’t speak for everybody, but I think we’re comfortable with the protocols and the measures that have been taken.”
The Patriots are fortunate to have the twins ready for the 2020 season, which starts in less than a month.
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