Former NFL wide receiver David Patten, who won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday outside Columbia, South Carolina, according to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford. He was 47.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye, a motorcycle driver -- identified by the coroner as Patten -- crossed the median, causing a crash involving two other cars. One of the cars' drivers was also taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the highway patrol and the coroner.
"I am heartbroken by the news of David's passing," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "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. In New England, he will always be remembered as a three-time Super Bowl Champion."
Patten played for five teams over a 12-year NFL career but is best known for his four seasons with the Patriots from 2001 to 2004. He caught the only offensive touchdown for the Patriots during their first Super Bowl win, in the 2001 season against the Rams, hauling in an 8-yard pass from Tom Brady to give New England a 14-3 lead just before halftime.
When he retired during Patriots training camp in 2010, Patten described his time with the Patriots as the highlight of his career.
"It breaks my heart to hear of David's tragic passing at such a young age," Patriots coach 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."
Former Patriots teammates Richard Seymour and Deion Branch and former New England offensive coordinator Charlie Weis were among those eulogizing Patten on social media Friday.
David Patten played key role in Patriots' dynasty
Patten — who was not selected in the 1996 NFL draft — played for five different teams over his 12-year NFL career, but is most known for his time with the Patriots. After playing in the Arena Football League, Patten made the New York Giants in 1997. He played with the Giants and Cleveland Browns before joining the Patriots for the 2001 season, in which the team went on to win the Super Bowl.
Patten only caught one ball in that game, but it was a memorable one. With the Patriots looking to score before halftime, Patten made a leaping catch near the back of the end zone to extend the team's lead.
The Patriots went on to beat the Rams 20-17.
Patten remained with the Patriots through 2004, winning three total Super Bowls with the club.
During those four seasons, Patten emerged as one of Tom Brady's most dependable targets. Patten never exceeded 1,000 receiving yards, but was a consistent producer on some excellent teams. His finest season came in 2004, when Patten caught 44 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns.
