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David Patten
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David Patten (August 19, 1974 – September 2, 2021) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He is best known for catching a touchdown pass late in the second quarter of Super Bowl XXXVI from quarterback Tom Brady as a member of the New England Patriots.

Key Information

Patten was signed by the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League (AFL) as a street free agent in 1996. Starting in 1997, he played in the NFL and competed for 12 seasons through 2008. He played college football for the Western Carolina Catamounts.

Patten was also a member of the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. He won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.

Early years

[edit]

Patten played football at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina, where he caught passes from future Major League Baseball player Pokey Reese.[1]

College career

[edit]

After graduating from high school, Patten attended Western Carolina University. As a junior in 1994, he averaged 3.6 catches, good for sixth in the Southern Conference. In 1995, his senior season, Patten recorded 59 catches for 881 yards and was named to the All-Southern Conference team.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

Albany Firebirds

[edit]

Patten went undrafted in the 1996 NFL draft but began his professional football career by playing for the Arena Football League's Albany Firebirds in the summer of 1996.[3] He signed late in the AFL's season and played in their final regular season game on August 2, 1996, in a 54–49 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs. Patten caught two passes for 37 yards in the game.[4]

New York Giants

[edit]

After spending the rest of the 1996 season out of football, Patten was signed by the New York Giants on March 24, 1997. He was waived by the Giants on August 24, 1997, and re-signed to their practice squad the next day. Two days later, the Giants signed Patten to their 53-man roster. He played in 16 games for the Giants in 1997, catching 13 passes for 226 yards and returning eight kickoffs for 123 yards. In 1998, Patten played in 12 games for the Giants, returning 43 kickoffs for 928 yards and one touchdown, while also catching 11 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. In 1999, his final season with the Giants, Patten played in 16 games, leading the team with 33 kickoff returns for 673 yards as well as recording nine receptions for 115 yards.[5]

First stint with Browns

[edit]

Following the 1999 season, Patten signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Cleveland Browns. He spent one season with the team, starting 10 of 14 games and recording 38 receptions for 546 yards.[6]

New England Patriots

[edit]

In 2001, Patten signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots. He started 14 games at wide receiver for the Patriots in 2001, setting a then-career-high with 51 catches for 749 yards. Against the Indianapolis Colts on October 21, 2001, Patten became the eighth player in NFL history (and just the second since the merger) to run, catch, and throw for a touchdown in a 38–17 win;[7] he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. He scored on a 29-yard end around on the Patriots' first offensive play. In the second quarter, he caught a 91-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady. and then caught a lateral from Brady before throwing a 60-yard pass to Troy Brown. It was the first such game since Walter Payton did it in 1979.[8]

Patten caught a touchdown pass from Drew Bledsoe in the AFC Championship Game at Pittsburgh and then caught a score from Tom Brady in the Patriots' Super Bowl XXXVI win over the St. Louis Rams in February 2002, earning his first Super Bowl ring.

In 2002, Patten again started 14 of 16 games, setting a career-high with 61 receptions, 824 yards, and five touchdowns while leading Patriots receivers with 13.5 yards per catch. Patten started five of the team's first six games in 2003 before being placed on injured reserve on November 7.[9] Patten returned to start 11 of 16 games in 2004, recording 44 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns and earning his third Super Bowl ring in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.[10][11]

Washington Redskins

[edit]

Following the 2004 season, Patten signed a five-year, $13 million contract with the Washington Redskins.[12] Patten started seven of the first nine games of the season with the Redskins before being placed on injured reserve on November 18. He finished the season with 22 receptions for 217 yards. In 2006, Patten played in the first four games of the season, recording one reception for 25 yards, his only catch of the season. He was inactive for the remainder of the season except Week 17. He was released by the Redskins on March 22, 2007.[13]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

A few weeks after his release from Washington, Patten signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. He went on to have the second-best season of his career statistically, catching 54 passes for 792 yards and three touchdowns.[14] Patten started three of the first four games for the Saints in 2008, but played in only one game after that due to injuries. He finished the season with 11 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown and was released by the Saints following the season.[15]

Second stint with Browns

[edit]

Patten signed with the Cleveland Browns for the second time on March 23, 2009, as a free-agent.[16] He was released on September 5, 2009.[17]

Return to New England and retirement

[edit]

On February 24, 2010, Patten was signed by the Patriots.[18]

On July 31, 2010, Patten announced his retirement. When asked why he was retiring he responded, "I just felt like it was time. It just hit me yesterday. Camp was going really well. I was still able to go out and be competitive and operate at a high level, but I believe once you get to the point in your career where it's multiple years—it would be my 13th year—and you're thinking about it mentally and you're not 100 percent into it mentally wise, it's tough to play this game. I always felt like when I got to that that point, it would be in my best interests to walk away."[19]

Return to Western Carolina University

[edit]

David Patten had returned to Western Carolina University to complete his degree in social work and, at the time of his death in 2021, he was entering his ninth season as an assistant coach for the Catamounts.[20][21]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1997 NYG 16 3 13 226 17.4 40 2
1998 NYG 12 0 11 119 10.8 39 1
1999 NYG 16 0 9 115 12.8 19 0
2000 CLE 14 11 38 546 14.4 65 1
2001 NE 16 14 51 749 14.7 91 4
2002 NE 16 14 61 824 13.5 39 5
2003 NE 6 5 9 140 15.6 42 0
2004 NE 16 11 44 800 18.2 48 7
2005 WAS 9 7 22 217 9.9 32 0
2006 WAS 5 0 1 25 25.0 25 0
2007 NOR 16 5 54 792 14.7 58 3
2008 NOR 5 3 11 162 14.7 39 1
147 73 324 4,715 14.6 91 24

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1997 NYG 1 1 5 86 17.2 37 0
2001 NE 3 3 13 154 11.8 25 2
2004 NE 3 0 2 20 10.0 12 0
7 4 20 260 13.0 37 2

Death

[edit]

On September 2, 2021, Patten died in a three-vehicle accident in Columbia, South Carolina, aged 47. While riding his motorcycle, he traveled left off the center line and collided with a sedan, which later collided with another vehicle.[22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Patten

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Patten (August 19, 1974 – September 2, 2021) was an American professional football who played twelve seasons in the (), most notably as a key contributor to the ' early 2000s dynasty, where he won three championships. Born in , Patten attended , where he played for the Catamounts from 1992 to 1995. Undrafted in the , he signed as a with the and began his professional career, initially spending time in the with the Albany Firebirds before establishing himself in the . Over his NFL tenure, Patten played for five teams: the Giants (1997–1999), (2000), (2001–2004 and 2010), Washington Redskins (2005–2006), and (2007–2008). In 147 games, he amassed 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns, with his most productive years coming during his Patriots stint, where he recorded 165 catches for 2,513 yards and 16 scores in 54 regular-season games. Patten's legacy is most defined by his role in the Patriots' triumphs following the 2001, 2003, and 2004 seasons (XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX, respectively), where he contributed 15 postseason receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. A highlight was his 8-yard touchdown reception from in the second quarter of , helping secure New England's first championship in the modern era. Known for his speed, reliability as a deep threat, and team-first mentality, Patten peaked statistically in 2002 with 61 receptions for 824 yards and in 2004 with seven touchdowns. After retiring from the in 2010, Patten returned to in 2013 to complete a degree in and joined the Catamounts' football coaching staff, later founding a ministry as a devout Christian. Married to Galiena, he was remembered by peers like for his character and faith, often described as a "better man than he was a player." Tragically, Patten died at age 47 in a accident on September 2, 2021, in , when his Kawasaki collided with vehicles after veering off the road.

Early life and education

High school career

David Patten was born on August 19, 1974, in . Patten attended Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina, where he played football as a from 1989 to 1992 under coach Kimrey. A key teammate was , a future player who served as the ; Patten frequently caught passes from Reese, and together they helped lead the Diamond Hornets to an 8-5 record during the 1991 season. As a standout , Patten showcased exceptional speed that distinguished him on the field and drew attention from college scouts. His high school performance earned him a football to , marking the beginning of his collegiate career in 1992.

College career

David Patten, building on his standout high school performance at Lower Richland High School in , enrolled at , where he played for the Catamounts in the from 1992 to 1995. During his junior year in 1994, Patten averaged 3.6 receptions per game, ranking sixth in the in that category. He showed significant progression in his senior year of 1995, recording 59 receptions for 881 yards and 7 touchdowns, leading the team in receiving and earning first-team All- honors. These achievements highlighted his development into a reliable deep threat and possession receiver at the Division I-AA level. Despite his productive college career, Patten went undrafted in the , prompting him to seek initial professional opportunities as an undrafted and in alternative leagues like the .

Professional career

Arena Football League

Following his college career at , David Patten began his professional football journey in the (AFL). As an undrafted rookie, he signed with the Albany Firebirds as a street midway through the 1996 season. Patten saw limited action during his brief stint with the Firebirds, appearing in three games (one regular-season and two postseason) and recording nine receptions for 79 yards. He also contributed on defense as a , helping the team in the AFL's high-scoring, indoor format that emphasized quick passes and spatial awareness on a smaller field. This exposure to professional play in the AFL's fast-paced environment provided Patten with valuable on-field experience, sharpening his skills as a before transitioning to the . After just one partial season with Albany, Patten left the league in early 1997 to pursue opportunities in the .

New York Giants

David Patten signed with the as an undrafted free agent on March 24, 1997, following a brief stint in the that provided him initial professional exposure. He was waived during on August 24, 1997, but rejoined the team via the practice squad on August 26 and was elevated to the active roster on September 23, marking the start of his NFL career. In his season of 1997, Patten appeared in all 16 regular-season games, starting three at , and recorded 13 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams with eight kickoff returns for 123 yards. During the Giants' Wild Card playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Patten caught five passes for 86 yards, including a 40-yard reception that helped set up a key score. Patten's role remained limited in 1998 and 1999, as he did not start any games at during those seasons. In 1998, he played in 12 games, hauling in 11 receptions for 119 yards and one , while emerging as a key special teams player with 43 kickoff returns for 928 yards and one return against the . The following year, in 1999, he appeared in all 16 games, catching nine passes for 115 yards, rushing once for 27 yards, and returning 33 kickoffs for 673 yards. Over his three seasons with the Giants from 1997 to 1999, Patten totaled 33 receptions for 460 yards and three receiving , alongside twenty-nine rushing yards and 84 kickoff returns for 1,724 yards and one return . His contributions were primarily on special teams and in situational receiving roles, reflecting a gradual adaptation from to a rotational player. Ahead of the 2000 season, the Giants declined to tender Patten a contract in February 2000 amid considerations, allowing him to become an unrestricted and sign with the in March.

Cleveland Browns (first stint)

After being released by the New York Giants following the 1999 season, Patten signed with the as a on March 16, 2000. His prior experience with the Giants, where he had appeared in limited roles, positioned him as a reliable option for the Browns' receiving corps. In the 2000 season, Patten emerged as a starting wide receiver for the Browns, appearing in 14 games with 11 starts. He recorded 38 receptions for 546 receiving yards and one touchdown, contributing as a key target in an offense that struggled overall with a 3-13 record. Patten integrated effectively into the Browns' passing attack under quarterback , the No. 1 overall pick from 1999, serving as a consistent deep threat and possession receiver to help stretch defenses. Season highlights included a career-best 113 receiving yards on seven catches against the in Week 5, showcasing his speed on a 45-yard reception. He also posted 103 yards and his lone of the year—a 22-yard score—on seven receptions versus the in Week 15, providing a bright spot in the Browns' late-season efforts. Patten became an unrestricted free agent on March 2, 2001, and was not re-signed by the Browns, paving the way for his move to the .

New England Patriots (first stint)

Patten signed with the as a in 2001, bringing experience from prior stints that prepared him for a more prominent role in a contending offense. In his first season, he appeared in all 16 games, recording 51 receptions for 749 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable deep threat and contributing to the team's unexpected playoff run. During the postseason, Patten excelled with 13 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns across three games, including a pivotal eight-yard touchdown reception from in that provided the Patriots' only offensive score and helped secure a 17-3 halftime lead en route to a 20-17 victory over the . In , Patten achieved career highs with 61 receptions for 824 yards and five touchdowns over 16 games, solidifying his chemistry with Brady through precise route-running and dependable hands that allowed the quarterback to target him in critical situations. He also contributed on special teams as a , leveraging his speed to support the unit's coverage and blocking efforts during the Patriots' 9-7 season. However, injuries limited him to just six regular-season games in 2003, where he managed nine receptions for 140 yards, though he remained part of the roster that won against the . Patten rebounded strongly in 2004, starting 11 of 16 games and posting 44 receptions for 800 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns, while adding two catches for 20 yards in the en route to the Patriots' triumph over the . His versatility and work ethic were integral to the Patriots' early-2000s dynasty, where he earned three rings as a key rotational receiver who complemented star players and bolstered team depth.

Washington Redskins

Patten signed with the Washington Redskins as a on March 3, 2005, agreeing to a five-year contract worth $13 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus, to bolster the team's receiving corps as a veteran complement to in Joe Gibbs' return to the franchise. In the 2005 season, Patten adapted to quarterback and Gibbs' run-oriented offensive scheme, which emphasized a balanced attack with short passes and possession receiving rather than the deep-threat role he had thrived in during his prior tenure with the . Starting seven of the nine games he played, he recorded 22 receptions for 217 yards, serving primarily as a reliable slot option to aid the team's rebuilding efforts. However, Patten's season ended prematurely on , 2005, when he underwent arthroscopic on his right and was placed on injured reserve, having dealt with lingering pain that affected his practice participation but not his game appearances up to that point. Despite the offensive line's solid protection allowing Brunell to throw for 3,050 yards, the passing game ranked middling league-wide, with Patten's contributions limited amid the scheme's focus on Clinton , who led the with 1,516 rushing yards. The Redskins finished the year 10-6, capturing the title before a playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2006 season brought further challenges for Patten, who appeared in only five games without a start, managing just one reception for 25 yards as injuries continued to sideline him, including a bout of that caused him to miss the early days of and subsequent and issues that limited his depth chart role. Brunell's performance declined amid offensive line struggles and Gibbs' conservative play-calling, contributing to a drop in team passing efficiency, while Patten struggled to secure consistent targets in a crowded receiver group featuring and emerging talents like . The Redskins endured a disappointing 5-11 record, missing the and marking a step back in the rebuilding process. Patten was released by on March 22, 2007, with three years remaining on his contract, as the team sought younger options at following his diminished production.

New Orleans Saints

Patten signed a one-year contract with the in April 2007, shortly after his release from the Washington Redskins, where inconsistent playing time had limited his production over the previous two seasons. As a , he provided depth to an offense led by quarterback , fitting into a pass-heavy scheme that emphasized quick releases and precise route-running to exploit defensive coverages. In the 2007 season, Patten emerged as a key contributor, recording 54 receptions for 792 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games, marking the second-most productive year of his career and ranking him second on the team in receiving yards. His performance helped bolster the Saints' aerial attack, which amassed over 4,400 passing yards under Brees, establishing a foundation for the team's offensive identity amid a rebuilding phase post-Hurricane Katrina. Patten re-signed with the Saints on a two-year deal in March 2008, continuing his role as a reliable veteran presence in the receiver corps. However, injuries restricted him to just five games that season, where he caught 11 passes for 162 yards and one , serving primarily as a situational option to complement younger talents in Brees' high-volume passing game. Patten's tenure with the Saints laid groundwork for their subsequent success, including the 2009 Super Bowl XLIV victory, by contributing to the development of an explosive offense that averaged over 400 yards per game in his final full season and emphasized veteran leadership to integrate emerging stars like . He was released by the team on February 12, 2009, as part of roster adjustments ahead of the next campaign.

Cleveland Browns (second stint)

Patten signed with the on March 22, 2009, as an unrestricted , marking his return to the franchise where he had spent his rookie season in 2000. At age 34, he sought to revive his career in a familiar environment, leveraging his prior experience with the team to compete for a roster spot during . Injuries significantly impacted his bid, limiting his ability to practice and participate in preseason activities. These setbacks proved insurmountable, as Patten was unable to demonstrate the necessary performance to secure a place on the 53-man roster. The Browns released him on September 4, 2009, just before the regular season opener, ending his brief second stint without any game appearances or statistical contributions.

New England Patriots (second stint) and retirement

In March 2010, David Patten signed a one-year contract with the for his second stint with the team, drawn back by the success he had achieved during his initial tenure from 2001 to 2004, which included three victories. Patten participated in offseason workouts and the first two days of , providing veteran leadership to the group but seeing limited on-field action due to the depth of younger talent. He recorded no statistics during this period, as he did not appear in any preseason or regular-season games. On July 31, 2010, during an impromptu at , Patten announced his retirement from the after 12 seasons across seven teams, stating that while he believed he could still play physically, he was no longer mentally committed to the demands of the game. He reflected on his career closure with the Patriots as particularly meaningful, describing his 2001–2004 run with the team as "by far" the highlight, filled with "great times" and cherished memories from an undrafted journey that led to three championships. In discussing his post-playing plans, Patten mentioned intending to focus on his role as a minister and pursue opportunities in a few business ventures he had lined up.

Post-retirement activities

Coaching career

After retiring from the NFL, David Patten returned to his , , where he had played from 1992 to 1995, joining the football coaching staff in 2013 as an assistant coach focused on the wide receivers group. Head coach Mark Speir hired Patten to leverage his 12-year NFL experience, including three championships with the , to infuse the program with energy, technical knowledge, and motivational insights from professional-level play. Patten's responsibilities centered on player development, emphasizing , route-running precision, and mental preparation drawn from his own trajectory as an undrafted who rose to success. While completing his degree in at Western Carolina part-time, he contributed to the Catamounts' efforts to rebuild the program during a period of transition in the . His tenure, spanning 2013 to 2021, helped foster a culture of resilience among the wide receivers, aligning with his personal ties to the institution as a former standout Catamount who recorded 96 receptions for 1,563 yards and 14 touchdowns during his playing days. Among the players Patten mentored was his son, Daquan Patten, a and special teams contributor who joined the team as a walk-on in 2017 and earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2021 after a standout performance with multiple tackles and a blocked punt in a win over Chattanooga. Daquan later signed as a rookie with the Albany Empire of the in 2022, continuing a family legacy in the sport. Patten's guidance extended to broader team contributions, aiding in the development of young talent through hands-on coaching and sharing anecdotes from his NFL journeys to inspire commitment and growth.

Community involvement

Following his retirement from the NFL in 2010, David Patten transitioned into community-focused roles centered on , education, and mentorship in his hometown of . In 2013, he completed a in at , his alma mater, which aligned with his growing commitment to service-oriented pursuits. Patten was ordained as a minister in 2013 and co-founded A Way of Life (AWOL) Ministries in Columbia in 2014 alongside his wife, Galiena, serving as its pastor. The ministry emphasized Christian outreach, biblical teaching, and community servanthood, with Patten preaching regularly and aiming to "win souls" through personal testimony and . He also served as an ambassador for Christ at True of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where he shared his journey from professional athlete to spiritual leader. Additionally, Patten engaged in motivational speaking, inspiring audiences with messages on integrity, perseverance, and spiritual growth, often drawing from his NFL experiences. In local community efforts, Patten mentored youth by teaching practical life skills, including landscaping and home renovation, to children, nephews, and others in the Columbia area, promoting and hands-on learning. He maintained connections to his roots by supporting the Lower Richland High School community, where he visited coaches and students, including spending time with individuals facing health challenges, such as the paralyzed son of a local coach. Patten also participated in alumni activities, such as signings at events like those at Shriners Auditorium in , where he interacted with fans and fellow former players from the .

NFL career statistics

Regular season

David Patten amassed 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns over 147 regular-season games in his 12-year career from 1997 to 2008. His production peaked during his time with the from 2001 to 2004, highlighted by career highs of 61 receptions and 5 touchdowns in 2002, followed by 800 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2004. Patten maintained a career average of 14.6 yards per reception, reflecting his role as a deep-threat option across multiple teams.
YearTeamGRecYdsY/RTD
1997NYG161322617.42
1998NYG121111910.81
1999NYG16911512.80
2000CLE143854614.41
2001NWE165174914.74
2002NWE166182413.55
2003NWE6914015.60
2004NWE164480018.27
2005WAS9222179.90
2006WAS512525.00
2007NOR165479214.73
2008NOR51116214.71
Career Totals: 147 G, 324 Rec, 4,715 Yds, 14.6 Y/R, 24 TD

Playoffs

David Patten appeared in seven playoff games across three postseasons, recording 20 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns. His postseason contributions were primarily with the during their successful early-2000s runs, where he served as a reliable providing depth and key catches in high-stakes matchups. Patten's playoff efficiency, at 13.0 yards per reception, aligned closely with his career regular-season average of 14.6 yards per catch over 147 games, highlighting his consistency under pressure despite limited volume. Patten's most notable playoff impact came during the 2001 postseason with the Patriots, where he tallied 13 receptions for 154 yards and both of his playoff touchdowns, helping secure their first victory in franchise history. In against the , he caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from in the second quarter, giving a 14-3 halftime lead en route to a 20-17 upset win. This performance underscored his role as a clutch contributor in the Patriots' dynasty-building efforts, including another appearance in 2004. Earlier, in the 1997 Wild Card playoff with the , Patten had a standout debut with five receptions for 86 yards in a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings, though the team was eliminated. By 2004, his role diminished to two receptions for 20 yards across three games as the Patriots repeated as champions, reflecting a shift to a supporting position amid a deeper receiving .
YearTeamGamesReceptionsYardsTouchdowns
199715860
20013131542
200432200
Career-7202602

Personal life and death

Family

David Patten was born on August 19, 1974, in , to parents David Patten Sr. and Betty Williams Patten, as the third of their four children. His siblings included three sisters: Katrice Rogers (married to Kelvin Rogers) of ; Sylvia Patten of ; and Chaunta Simmons (married to Lavelle Simmons) of . Patten married his college sweetheart, Galiena Hardy Patten, in 1997, and the couple shared a 24-year marked by mutual support in both personal and professional endeavors. Together, they raised four children: sons David Patten III, Daquan Lamar Patten, and Quinton Trevon Patten, and daughter Mia Gabrielle Patten. The family resided in the Columbia area of , maintaining strong ties to Patten's hometown throughout his life. Patten's family played a central role in his life, providing steadfast support during his NFL career and later ministry work, including co-founding A Way of Life Ministries with Galiena in 2015. He often shared family-related anecdotes from his career, such as the grounding influence of his wife and children amid the demands of professional football. One notable example was his son Daquan, who followed in his footsteps by playing at , Patten's alma mater, and publicly praised his father as an exemplary parent beyond his athletic fame. Additionally, Patten taught renovation skills to his children and nephews, instilling practical values and fostering close family bonds.

Death

David Patten died on September 2, 2021, at the age of 47, following a accident in . He was riding a 2006 Kawasaki westbound on Clemson Road when he crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming Chevrolet sedan at the intersection of Clemson Road and Old Clemson Road around 9:35 p.m. Patten, a resident of Columbia since his post-retirement years, was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma. Richland County Naida Rutherford confirmed the identity and the following day, September 3, 2021, in an official statement, noting that Patten was not wearing a at the time of the crash. Initial reports from local authorities indicated no other fatalities, though the collision left Patten's family and the broader football community in profound shock, setting the stage for widespread mourning.

Tributes and legacy

Following David Patten's death on September 2, 2021, the organization issued official statements expressing profound grief and highlighting his contributions. Chairman and CEO described Patten as "a devout Christian who founded his own ministry," emphasizing his role in the team's first victory, including "his touchdown reception in the at [that] propelled the Patriots to ." called Patten "an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been champions," praising his "work ethic, positive energy and character." Former quarterback , who threw to Patten in , shared a tribute on , writing, "The consummate professional. RIP my friend. My love goes out to David's family." In a subsequent SiriusXM interview, Brady reflected on Patten as "one of the great teammates I ever had" and "a great man on and off the field." Numerous former teammates paid tribute on , underscoring Patten's character and influence. Defensive lineman tweeted, "heartbroken great man of God… lost for words - David Patten," accompanying it with a photo of Patten's touchdown catch. posted, "Great player, but most of all a great man, mentor, and brother #loveyou." Offensive lineman wrote, "Rest in Power to my former teammate, one of the best men I've ever known….prayers to David Patten's family #Patriots." The community echoed these sentiments through widespread condolences, with no separate league-wide statement but broad recognition of Patten's impact. Patten's legacy endures as a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) with the Patriots, where he recorded key plays like his eight-yard touchdown reception from Brady in Super Bowl XXXVI, the team's only offensive score in a 20-17 victory. Beyond his on-field role as a reliable, undersized wide receiver, he is remembered as a mentor through his post-retirement coaching at Western Carolina University, and his ministry work via A Way of Life Ministries, which supported youth in his South Carolina community. Community remembrances continue, including local honors such as the David Patten Athletic Scholarship awarded by the Lower Richland Alumni Foundation in 2024 to support student-athletes from his high school alma mater.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32139996/david-patten-three-super-bowl-winner-new-england-patriots-dies-47
  3. https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/david-patten/7547
  4. https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/David-Patten-former-Albany-Firebird-and-Super-16434000.php
  5. https://www.patriots.com/news/former-patriots-wide-receiver-david-patten-passes-away
  6. https://www.nfl.com/news/david-patten-dies-at-47-patriots-three-time-super-bowl-winner
  7. https://www.patriots.com/news/where-are-they-now-david-patten-292391
  8. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/david-patten-former-patriots-wide-receiver-killed-motorcycle-crash-n1278490
  9. https://www.myersmortuarysc.com/obituary/MrDavid-PattenJr
  10. https://www.thestate.com/sports/nfl/article253976223.html
  11. https://www.thecolumbiastar.com/articles/reese-returns-home-to-coach-lower-richland-baseball/
  12. https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2021/09/03/david-patten-patriots-receiver-passes-away
  13. https://catamountsports.com/sports/2005/2/2/211722634.aspx
  14. https://catamountsports.com/sports/2002/2/3/211720567.aspx
  15. https://www.giants.com/news/giants-mourn-david-patten-who-began-career-with-big-blue
  16. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/david-patten-who-won-three-super-bowls-with-early-2000s-patriots-dynasty-dies-at-47/
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/10/sports/pro-football-when-one-door-slams-patten-unlocks-another.html
  18. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00/gamelog/1997/
  19. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00/gamelog/1998/
  20. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00/gamelog/1999/
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/17/sports/plus-pro-football-giants-patten-and-holsey-lost-to-free-agency.html
  22. https://nypost.com/2000/02/11/giants-cut-down-to-ize-graham-williams-main-cap-casualties/
  23. https://www.morningjournal.com/2000/07/17/patten-credits-faith-for-career-resurrection/
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00/gamelog/2000/
  25. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2021/9/3/22656011/cleveland-browns-former-wide-receiverdavid-patten-dies-age-47
  26. https://www.patriots.com/press-room/super-bowl-xxxvi
  27. https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/tom-brady-on-david-patten-great-man-on-and-off-the-field
  28. https://www.patriots.com/news/patstimemachine/special-teams-pats-get-tougher
  29. https://www.patriots.com/news/patten-leaves-an-underrated-legacy
  30. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/4556/david-patten
  31. https://www.patriots.com/news/free-agent-patten-signs-on-with-skins-130376
  32. https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2005/10/21/catching_up_wit-2/
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2005.htm
  34. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/02/sports/nfl-roundup-the-other-barber-and-bucs-near-a-pact.html
  35. https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/news/story/_/id/2650463
  36. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2006.htm
  37. https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-release-wr-david-patten-3454887
  38. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2007/04/13/exredskin-patten-signs-with-new-orleans/f30bec62-33bd-4594-8148-93911f3b5cc5/
  39. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-agree-to-terms-with-wr-david-patten-1084939
  40. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2007.htm
  41. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/stats/2007/reg
  42. https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-re-sign-wr-patten-to-two-year-deal-09000d5d807024ff
  43. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2008.htm
  44. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/stats/2008/reg
  45. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-release-wr-david-patten-1087201
  46. https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-drop-veteran-wr-patten-after-two-seasons-09000d5d80eb6f35
  47. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions/2009
  48. https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/Article/wr-david-patten-long-time-veteran-cut-104642058/
  49. https://nesn.com/2010/07/david-patten-abruptly-announces-retirement-from-football/
  50. https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4675312
  51. https://www.patriots.com/news/david-patten-retirement-press-conference-163556
  52. https://catamountsports.com/sports/2013/2/10/211728968.aspx
  53. https://thewesterncarolinajournalist.com/2013/04/29/nfl-veteran-david-patten-returns-to-wcu/
  54. https://www.thesylvaherald.com/sports/western_carolina_university/article_36381d44-10b9-11ec-8f53-1f19f62fec9a.html
  55. https://catamountsports.com/news/2021/11/22/football-daquan-patten-named-socon-special-teams-player-of-the-week.aspx
  56. https://www.thenationalarenaleague.com/news/aalbany-empire-sign-rookie-daquan-patten
  57. https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/news/former-columbia-area-standout-who-won-super-bowls-with-patriots-killed-in-motorcycle-wreck/article_0d5865c4-0ccb-11ec-b760-778f0a363098.html
  58. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PattDa00/gamelog/post/
  59. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200202030nwe.htm
  60. https://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article253973468.html
  61. https://www.congress.gov/117/crec/2021/09/20/167/162/CREC-2021-09-20-pt1-PgE994-3.pdf
  62. https://wlos.com/sports/game-changer/wcus-daquan-patten-honors-late-father-david-patten-in-unique-way
  63. https://www.wyff4.com/article/former-new-england-patriots-player-dies-in-motorcycle-crash/37475514
  64. https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/david-patten-accident-clemson-road/101-2c217179-ef17-468c-bd5d-3f4afe713d3a
  65. https://www.brownszone.com/2021/09/03/former-brown-david-patten-dies-in-motorcycle-crash/
  66. https://people.com/sports/patriots-great-david-patten-dies-in-motorcycle-crash/
  67. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tom-brady-david-patten-great-teammate/
  68. https://x.com/BigSey93/status/1433776538584064001
  69. https://www.the-sun.com/sport/3602733/david-pattens-patriots-teammates-tom-brady-pay-tribute/
  70. https://twitter.com/damienwoody/status/1433800200741658637
  71. https://lralumni.org/about/alumni-scholarship-recipients/
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