Longtime NFL wide receiver, and one-time Cleveland Brown, David Patten has passed away unexpectedly. Patten was just 47.
TMZ Sports reports that Patten was killed in a motorcycle accident in his native South Carolina.
Patten is best-known for his seasons with the New England Patriots from 2001-2004, where he was one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets in the early days of the AFC East dynasty. He played the 2000 season with the Browns after spending his first three seasons getting infrequent playing time with the New York Giants.
Cleveland was Patten’s first opportunity to start. On a 3-13 team that struggled in the second season back in the league, Patten caught 38 passes for 546 yards and one touchdown. He briefly returned to Cleveland in the 2009 offseason but retired once he did not make the team.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Patten’s family and his former teammates and coaches, many of whom have shared their grief on social media.
