Big Brother winner Rick Devens says he accepts lack of support from fellow alumni
Season 28 winner Rick Devens said he understands why some former Big Brother contestants did not back him, citing a perceived rivalry with Survivor alumni, and expressed pride in his victory.
Rick Devens, 42, won the 28th season of Big Brother and earned a $810,000 prize, becoming the first former Survivor contestant to claim the title. In an interview, he said he does not blame the Big Brother alumni who voted against him because of his Survivor background, adding that he understands their perspective.
"Good for them," Devens told Page Six. "Before all this happened… I know ‘BB’ players have come on ‘Survivor,’ but I wouldn’t want them winning a ‘Survivor’ game. That makes them look like they’re better than we are."
He noted that three former Survivor players, including himself, have performed well on Big Brother, and expressed hope that his win would be welcomed by the show's community. Devens said he feels “proud” to be part of the Big Brother family and is still processing his new status as a winner.
Other alumni, such as Danielle Reyes and Britney Haynes, said they were reluctant to support Devens, describing a sense of rivalry between the two CBS reality franchises. Reyes said she feels “territorial” about the shows, while Haynes said winning both series has never been done and that creates a competitive dynamic.
Devens secured six of seven jury votes after evicting ally Drew Campbell in third place and also received the America’s Favorite Houseguest prize worth $50,000. He defended his gameplay against accusations of an unfair advantage, explaining that his alliance with fellow “Icons” Dee Valladares and Angela Murray was built on mutual strategy rather than external influence.
He described his partnership with Valladares as complementary, saying she has a “killer instinct” and that their differing play styles helped them succeed in the house.