The New England Patriots have been dealt some significant blows with several of their high-profile players opting out of the 2020 NFL season due to coronavirus (COVID-19). For safety Patrick Chung, the risks involved with playing during the ongoing pandemic were too much to take.

Chung said during an appearance on CBS This Morning that the safety of his family was a primary factor in his decision to sit out this season with the Patriots, via Chris Mason of Mass Live:

“Of course it’s a tough decision,” Chung said of sitting out this season with the Patriots. “You want to play football. I’m in the latter end of my career, so I wanted to play football. But when it comes down to it, I feel that money is not that important. I have a girlfriend that’s pregnant, a baby girl coming soon, my son has a little asthma, my dad is 75 years old. I just felt like this was the best decision for my family to keep everyone safe. I don’t think it’s fair to them. So I decided to do that. It’s not over. It’s just postponed a little bit.”

Chung's comments are certainly understandable and it is something that has been echoed by a number of Patriots' players and other players throughout the league this offseason.

Although the NFL and NFLPA may have finally managed to establish safety protocols that include testing every day during training camp, it is not enough to provide the kind of peace of mind needed when raising a family.

Expectations had already been tempered heading into the 2020 campaign with the departure of quarterback Tom Brady this offseason. Chung's versatility and key role on defense will surely be missed by head coach Bill Belichick.

Chung now joins linebacker Dont'a Hightower and tackle Marcus Cannon as some of the more notable players in New England to sit out this season.