Devin McCourty Explains Why Politics Won’t Divide Patriots’ Locker Room

FOXBORO, Mass. — Most New England Patriots players had little interest in discussing Tuesday’s election when asked about it Wednesday afternoon.

Defensive captain Devin McCourty, however, was open and honest about the place of politics in a locker room and his thoughts on how the presidential election turned out Tuesday.

Like in many work places across the country, political opinions are split in NFL locker rooms. Quarterback Tom Brady, who wouldn’t specify whether he voted for President-elect Donald Trump, said the Patriots’ locker room remains close despite the differences. McCourty concurs.

“I think the one thing that’s certain is everybody has their own opinions in our locker room, but politics aren’t going to divide our locker room,” McCourty said. “We’re here to do a job, but I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion and who you support. That’s what politics are I think in any job or any workplace.”

McCourty gave his thoughts on Trump being elected president.

“I think for a lot of us, it was a time where — I didn’t expect that,” McCourty said. “But I think you understand politics is different. Everyone is trying to win a race and you’re doing different things to win a race. I think just talking to our chaplain, he said it best. We just have to pray for the leadership of our country whether you agree with it, disagree with it. You pray for the leadership and you believe there’s a way everything will be all right. Everything doesn’t go the way you want it personally, but that’s where I’m at. Pray on it and hope everything works out well and believe in God.”

Bill Belichick opened his news conference Wednesday explaining that a letter he penned to Trump, a friend of the Patriots head coach, wasn’t politically motivated. Wide receiver Chris Hogan said Wednesday that Belichick didn’t discuss the matter with his team.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images