Howie Long Says Son Chris Took Less Money For Chance To Win With Patriots
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Many NFL free agents go where they can make the most possible money. Others just want to go where they have a chance to win. Sometimes a free agent feels like they want to win, so they try to sign with the Patriots - only to see that New England offered them well below market value, or significantly less than other teams.
I picture them reacting like Chris Farley being told he was drinking Colombian decaf coffee crystals:
It's almost always the case that the Patriots offer veteran free agents less money than other teams; it's somewhat rare for a player to actually forgo that extra money and sign with New England. Chris Long signed with the Patriots primarily to play for a Super Bowl contender, and has made it clear that at this stage of his career he just wants to win.
Chris' father, NFL Hall-of-Famer and Charlestown native Howie Long, told ESPN's Mike Reiss that his son chose the opportunity to win a lot, play meaningful games in January (and hopefully February), and work to earn every last dollar.
"I know [Chris] could have gotten more money in other places," Howie said. "He probably would have been slotted right off the bat, but you go there for less money and you go there knowing you have to earn everything you get, and he's excited about that opportunity with that one goal in mind - having the opportunity to be there at the end and playing relevant games and having a shot at a championship.
"He hasn't played in meaningful games [at the end of the year]."
Howie also said his son's injuries in recent seasons can be attributed to bad luck, and that he's excited to finally go into a season fully healthy and ready to have a normal training camp and preparation for the season.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.