It is easy to see why Jason McCourty is a defensive and team leader
By Brian Miller
Jason McCourty was a late addition to the Miami Dolphins roster as a free agent but already his leadership qualities are shining through.
When the Dolphins decided to add veteran corner/safety McCourty it inevitably led to the parting of ways with Bobby McCain. McCain was a quite defensive leader but McCourty is bringing a similar type of leadership to the Dolphins roster.
2021 will be McCourty’s 13th NFL season. It was an odd signing for the Dolphins who tend to go much younger but when you listen to McCourty talk, it is easy to see why he is viewed as a good fit for the team and a leader that will excel by example on and off the field.
McCourty spoke with the media on Friday and was asked about he was acclimating to his new team. His answer was pretty much all you needed to know about his leadership qualities and how he approaches his new environment. He spoke of the importance of getting to know the “guys around you”. Then, he added this.
"…get to know the guys in the locker room and get to know not only them but the support staff, the people in the cafeteria, just everybody in the building. It helps to build comfort when you’re walking around and you know someone’s name, you know who to request, you know who to ask what. – From the Miami Dolphins media transcripts"
Taking time this late in your career in what will likely be a one-and-done in Miami, to get to know the people in the building is a quality that few possess. Many simply don’t take the time or care enough to get to know those that may not be on the field or in the locker room or the trainer’s room. It’s that kind of leadership that others, most notably younger players will take notice of and learn from.
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McCourty said that he feels he is in a good situation with Miami and that he feels it’s a good fit. He cited the fact that he has played with several of the Dolphins defenders including fellow safety Eric Rowe.
During his free agency period, he said he had met with the Giants but ultimately his familiarity with Brian Flores and DC Josh Boyer made his decision easier. Once again, another veteran player who wants to play for HC Flores.
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McCourty said that while there are similarities to the defense Flores ran in New England they are different. He said he isn’t trying to learn one position specifically but instead learn the entire defense so that he will better understand where he should be at and why.
Jason McCourty believes that he needs to learn from the younger guys right now. He believes he will have his teammates respect just for the longevity of his career but he believes that by learning how things are done here from the younger guys he will learn how to be a leader for them and by doing so, it’s safe to assume that they will want his advice.
McCourty is the oldest player on the Dolphins roster and is only 33 years old. Only three players on the Dolphins roster, McCourty, John Jenkins, and D.J. Fluker are over 30.