Bill Belichick Makes Glowing Statement On Patrick Chung Retirement

The New England Patriots will enter the 2021 season without one of their veterans. Head coach Bill Belichick will have to find a replacement for Patrick Chung as the veteran decided to call it career.

The versatile safety put an end to his awesome NFL career, and Belichick has nothing but words of praise for him.

The Patriots made an official announcement on Chung’s retirement, offering statements from head coach Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft.

Both Kraft and Belichick lauded the veteran for his excellent contributions in the past decade.

Belichick said Chung was one of the best players he has ever worked with.

“Patrick Chung is a special person and player, one of the pillars of our program and truly in the upper echelon of the many greats I have had the privilege to coach,” Belichick said. “It all stems from his passion for the game and tone-setting, team-first attitude. Pat’s combination of toughness, intelligence and versatility was exceptional and it enabled him to perform more roles than most any player I have ever seen.

“In any setting, whether in the locker room, in meetings, on the practice field, during games and in the biggest moments, Pat was everything a coach could want. It is no accident that his teams competed for championships virtually every year of his Patriots career. I applaud him for a remarkable career and am grateful for all he did for me and our organization.”

Same as Belichick, Kraft has great words for Patrick Chung

Chung won three Super Bowls with the Patriots (2014, 2016, and 2018). He spent 10 seasons with the team and we didn’t include the 2020 season. Chung decided to opt-out due to coronavirus concerns. The Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2009 draft. Chung joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and returned to New England the following season.

“For more than a decade, Patrick Chung was a versatile and valuable contributor to our team and in our community,” Kraft said. “I remember when I first met him in 2009 on the day we introduced him to the media. We talked about his love of his family and his passion for football. He had a great smile, a big personality and a relentless work ethic, which earned the respect and affection of his coaches and teammates, as well as Patriots fans everywhere.”

Kraft said Chung will retire as a three-time Super Bowl champion. Now he can spend more time with his family and chase other dreams. Kraft will be more than happy to welcome Chung back for their alumni events and championship celebrations in the future.

Chung has great words for his Patriots family, too.