Washington Redskins wide receiver David Patten (80) catches a pass in the end zone past Denver Broncos defenseman cornerback Darrent Williams in the first quarter in Denver October 9, 2005. REUTERS / Rick Wilking
9/3/2021 5:24:18 PM GMT + 00: 00 – Former NFL wide receiver David Patten, who won three Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, died Thursday evening. He was 47.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but several reports said Patten was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Patten played 147 games for five teams from 1997 to 2008, but experienced his greatest success with the Patriots from 2001 to 2004.
He caught the first post-season touchdown pass ever thrown by Tom Brady, an 8-yard diving and twisting reception in the end zone in the second quarter of a 20-17 win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI . That Super Bowl title was the first for the franchise and started a dynasty.
“It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic death at such a young age,” said head coach Bill Belichick on Friday. “I am grateful to have trained David. He is an important person and an important player in the history of the Patriots, without whom we would not have become Super Bowl champions.”
“I particularly value David for his professional career. Like everyone else, David embodied the unannounced, homemade gamer who braved tremendous opportunities not only to earn a job in the NFL, but also to become a key player on multiple championship teams, so for anyone who has had the pleasure of being with David, that his work ethic, positive energy, and character were elitist. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. “
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft also released a statement.
“The news of David’s death breaks my heart. He was a devout Christian who, after his football career, followed his passion and started his own ministry. David has gone from being an undersized and humble wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher.” said Kraft.
“New England will always remember him as a three-time Super Bowl champion. His touchdown reception at the AFC championship game in Pittsburgh got the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI and I will never forget his remarkable catch in the back.” End zone in this game. It was our only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl and it earned us our first title in franchise history. Our deepest condolences go to his wife Galiena, his family and all who mourn David’s tragic and untimely death. “
Former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour, center Damien Woody and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis paid tribute to Patten on social media.
“Heartbroken (broken-hearted emoji),” Seymour posted on Twitter. “Great Man of God … Speechless – David Patten (Prayer Hands Emoji).
“Rest in power for my former teammate, one of the best men I have ever known … prayers to David Patten’s family,” Woody tweeted.
“Shocked and saddened by the sudden tragic death of David Patten,” wrote Weis. “Excellent player, even better person. Family person, team person, devout Christian. All prayers are directed in this direction. RIP David. You are sorely missed.”
Patten ended his career with 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns with the New York Giants (1997-99), Cleveland (2000), New England, Washington (2005-06) and New Orleans (2007-08). He also fell 13 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, and returned 111 kickoffs for 2,273 yards and a score.
He added 20 catches for 260 yards and two TDs in seven post-season games. He added two more rings in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX.
The native South Carolina came from Western Carolina and began his professional career in 1996 with the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League.
–Field-level media
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Comments are closed.