Patten, former Pat & Giant, dies in crash
David Patten, the longtime NFL receiver who won three titles in the first leg of the Patriots dynasty, died Thursday in a motorcylce accident. His agent confirmed the news to South Carolina newspaper The State.
Patten, 47, began his professional career in the Arena League and made the jump to the NFL with the Giants in 1997. But he made his name as a key receiver for the first great Patriots teams, catching a touchdown in Tom Brady’s first Super Bowl win over the Rams. He retired from football in 2010.
Patten died in a motorcycle crash in Richland County, S.C., local authorities said. Police say Patten drove into the opposite lane of traffic and hit two cars in the crash that killed him.
His Patriots teammates and coaches responded to the news on Friday morning.
“It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic passing at such a young age,” Bill Belichick said in a statement. “I am grateful to have coached David. He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions. I especially appreciate David for his professional journey. As much as anyone, David epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds to not only earn a job in the NFL but to become a key player on multiple championship teams.”
“Rest in Power to my former teammate, one of the best men I’ve ever known….prayers to David Patten’s family,” former Patriots guard and television personality Damien Woody wrote.
“heartbroken, great man of God...lost for words,” former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour said.
Patten and Seymour are both South Carolina natives and played at the same high school.
“I am heartbroken by the news of David’s passing,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. “He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry. David transitioned from an undersized and understated wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher.”