Home is where the paycheck is to Patrick Chung

Home ... please check that definition, because it is the most overused phrase in sports today. In some rare instances, like LeBron James, home is a merited term. It is where a player grew up, where they played their entire career, or a place where they have made a significant impact on the community. I'm not saying that Chung is lying, he may very well feel like returning to the New England Patriots is a homecoming. He spent under a calendar year away from the team, and it's close to all he's ever known as a pro player. He's also fighting what could be a losing battle for a roster spot, so you be the judge.

Here's what Chung said according to WEEI:

“I love it,” Chung told WEEI.com after Sunday’s rain-shortened practice. “Love it here. Culture is good here. Fans are good here. Coaches are good here. Locker room is good here. Food is good here. I like it here, man. It’s home.”

I'm sure Chung is grateful for the opportunity, but he's going from being a 3 million dollar starting safety to fighting for a roster spot. He can't love that, so he's focusing on culture, fans, and food. I'd say that the truth is closer to a starting safety job being home, and this being the place that he had one. There is one thing that is exactly like a homecoming in this spot, things change while you're away.

Devin McCourty is the leader of the secondary, Darrelle Revis is dominating a corner spot, and they have a lot of talent for very few open spots in that secondary. As you saw if you've read my projected roster 1.0, I believe that this homecoming becomes homelessness for Patrick Chung before the rosters are finalized.

What do you think? How do you feel about players calling areas home, and when is it okay? Let's chat @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles