Report: Patrick Chung Announces Retirement After 11 Seasons

The New England Patriots made some great moves this week. Head coach Bill Belichick signed several players in free agency, and made a big splash on the open market. Well, some players had to go. Patrick Chung is one of them and he confirmed his retirement.

The veteran decided to retire after 11 NFL seasons. He took to social media to make announce his decision. Chung thanked the New England Patriots, head coach Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft for the great experience he had in New England. It was a wild ride for Chung and he will remember every bit of it.

Patrick Chung announces his retirement after great career

The 33-year-old opted-out of the 2020 season due to health concerns related to the coronavirus. He last played in 2019. Chung’s second stint with the Patriots was really impressive. The team selected him in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft out of Oregon. Chung spent just one season outside New England. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 2013. Next offseason, Chung joined the Patriots and has been part of the team ever since.

“I want to say thank you to the Patriots organization, my family, my fans, coaches, just everyone,” Chung’s statement reads. “I’m in tears writing this but I’ve decided to hang up the cleats. Bill, Mr. Kraft (mean mug), thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for your team for 11 years. I love you Bill for teaching me life on and off the field, I will not forget that. To my teammates, trainers, EQ team, video guys, meal room employees, janitors, etc., I love you guys and ladies. Thank you for being the rock to the organization. For cleaning up, feeding, taking care of me for 11 years. You will forever be family. But it’s time to start a new life. Patriot until I die!!! Love you all.”

Head coach Belichick admitted that Chung’s second stint with the team was more productive than the first. Chung played more in the box and had to cover tight ends. This was the best fit for his style. Belichick once said Chung was “one of the best players in the league.”

Chung is retiring as a three-time Super Bowl champion. He is also a member of the Patriots All-Decade Team for the 2010s.