Jason McCourty Admits That Devin McCourty's Success Makes Him Simmer With Envy

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/01/former_rutgers_star_jason_mccourty_describes_jealousy_of_brother_devins_postseason_success.html

NJ.com- Look, I'm extremely happy for Devin. There are few people who will root harder for him. I know how hard he works, how bad he wants it, and I want to see him reach his goal. I want to be in Arizona on Feb. 1 as he wins his first Super Bowl ring.

But every year, a part of me simmers with envy. I remember 2012, when the Patriots won the AFC Championship. A bunch of our teammates from Rutgers went up there to cheer Devin on. When New England beat the Ravens, the energy was amazing. Families started making Super Bowl travel arrangements. Friends and coaches who played a part along the way called with congratulations.

Right then, I saw what it looked to come within striking distance of the ultimate goal. Those smiles, that feeling--I wanted to experience that, too.

To put in that much work and get nothing, well it makes you so much hungrier. Six years of losing has definitely taken a toll, but I'm determined to continue to work hard and help my team achieve our goals. I think it's important, no matter your profession, to never become complacent and always strive for greatness.

Right now, I'll cheer for Devin. I hope he has a great playoff run that ends with him winning Super Bowl MVP, especially since he's going into free agency. My mom has a dream of us suiting up for the same team. Maybe I can pull him to Tennessee, and we can win a championship together.

Or, he can win a ring this year, then I tie him and surpass him. That's when the real trash talk will begin.


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If there is one thing in this world that is as strong as brotherly love it is a sibling rivalry. Anyone that has a brother comparable in age, never mind twins, can attest to that. That's why the only thing that is remotely surprising about this story is that Jason McCourty admitted it. You are supposed to suppress that envy deep in to your soul and let it constantly burn. Then when you do finally best your brother in something you talk a stream of shit so endless that it deserves a courtesy flush. Full disclosure, you're never even supposed to admit that you lost, or are losing. Don't believe me? Ask my brother, he's great at that. Even if you do, you certainly don't admit that it affects you. That's the best way to attract more harassment. Never show weakness, especially with someone who knows you as well as your own kin. 

Got to feel for Jason McCourty here though. Played on the same team as Devin throughout their entire lives. Actually started opposite each other for periods of time at Rutgers. They finally end up at a point in their careers where they are on separate teams on the largest stage, and the playing field is as far from equal as it could possibly be. Jason gets drafted one year earlier and ends up face first in the middle of a dumpster fire. Meanwhile, Devin earns first round draft pick status, and gets scooped up by possibly the most traditionally successful team in all of professional sports. He better hope the Tennessee Titans don't fuck up this draft. He might have to excommunicate himself from his family just to avoid his twin brother. 

Facing family, especially in a sport or hobby both of you fancy yourself talented at, is quite the phenomenon. Sometimes it feels like you try harder to beat your own brother than your most hated rival. Probably because your most hated rival didn't grow up with the same genetics and, most likely, can't text you on an hourly basis running his mouth. Strange phenomenon nonetheless. That rivalry aside, of course you want your brother to win, especially if you aren't part of the matchup. However, anyone that can watch their own blood succeed, despite their current failures in the same field, without a twinge of jealousy is either lying or a loser. Like Jason said, "when you play this sport, you play to win". There is no amount of talent that can carry someone whose only motivation is money. If winning doesn't fuel you, your chances of success are minuscule, especially in professional sports. So yeah, the second best thing that could happen to you is watching your brother win the Super Bowl, but you know what they say about second. It's definitely not first.