New England Patriots

Howie Long reveals that his son made huge sacrifice to join Patriots

Published Mar. 28, 2016 5:54 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

The Patriots have been the model NFL franchise for more than a decade. Since 2001, they've won four Super Bowls while losing two other trips to the big game. Countless veterans have taken pay cuts in order to play for the franchise that seems to always be in the conversation to win the Super Bowl.

You can add former Rams defensive end Chris Long to that list. Long's Hall of Fame father -- Howie -- told ESPN that Chris had a chance to make more money with other teams, but couldn't turn down the lure of the Patriots.

"I know he could have gotten more money in other places," Long told ESPN. "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."

The former Raiders great believes his son playing with the Patriots is a perfect fit.

"I've always felt like, in my mind, the way they play, prepare, and go about their business on a day-in, day-out basis, that Chris is a Patriots-type player," Long said. "I think it's a good marriage, I really do. It's an exciting opportunity for Chris."

Chris Long, who signed a one-year deal with New England earlier this month, spent his first eight years in the NFL with the Rams after being picked second overall in 2008.