Patrick Chung
A hard-hitting safety who became the soul of the Patriots' defense, winning three Super Bowls with a blend of intelligence and ferocity.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Jamaican-American gridiron football player·Birthday: August 19·Millennials
Biography
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Patrick Chung moved to the United States as a child and channeled his athleticism into football at the University of Oregon. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2009, he didn't immediately fit the prototype of a star defensive back. Yet, through a combination of relentless study of the game and a physical style that belied his size, Chung carved out an indispensable role. After a brief, unremarkable stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, his return to New England marked a career renaissance. He transformed into the defensive quarterback, a versatile chess piece who could cover tight ends, deliver punishing tackles, and execute the complex schemes of coach Bill Belichick with precision. His leadership in the secondary was a cornerstone of three championship teams in the 2010s, cementing his legacy as a player whose impact far exceeded his statistical line.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Patrick was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Patrick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Patrick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Super Bowl championships (XLIX, LI, LIII) as a starting safety for the New England Patriots.
- Named to the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team in recognition of his integral role.
- Played 11 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Patriots, becoming a defensive mainstay across two championship eras.
- Selected in the second round (34th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
Did You Know?
He is a classically trained pianist and began playing at the age of five.
He was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and lived there until he was six years old.
His cousin, Jon B., is an R&B singer known for the 1995 hit 'Someone to Love.'
He played both safety and linebacker roles in the Patriots' defensive system, showcasing rare versatility.
“I don't care about the stats; my job is to get the man with the ball on the ground.”
