THE New England Patriots have offered up ‘sincerest sympathies’ to David Patten’s wife after his sudden death.
CEO and chairman Robert Kraft wrote on Twitter, “Our sincerest sympathies are with his wife, Galiena, his family, and all who are mourning David’s tragic and untimely death.”
Plus, new details have emerged of the tragic motorcycle crash that killed the former Patriots player at 47, according to reports.
The crash, which took place around 9.45pm on Thursday night, happened after Patten “traveled left of center” on the road and struck a Chevrolet Sedan, which then sideswiped a Honda, police report.
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten died after a collision, while the driver of the Chevrolet was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
During his time with the Patriots, Patten won three Super Bowls – XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX.
Patten also had stints at Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.
Read our live blog on David Patten for the latest news and updates…
HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES DAVID PATTEN HAVE?
Patten was married to his wife, Gailena, and according to ESPN, the couple reportedly had four children together.
The State reported their kids are David, Daquan, Quinton, and Mia.
In 2017, Patriots.com reported that one of Patten’s sons, Daquan, was a walk-on freshman wide receiver at Western Carolina.
HOW MANY SUPER BOWL RINGS DID PATTEN HAVE?
David Patten helped the New England Patriots nab three Super Bowl wins between 2001 and 2004.
Patriots CEO and chairman Robert Kraft said that he is “heartbroken” over the former player’s death.
“He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry,” Kraft said.
“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’S MANAGER PAYS TRIBUTE
Patten’s manager and friend, Sam Gordon, expressed his grief in an emotional post on social media.
“Very rarely do people get to call their childhood heroes/favorite players their friends. You blessed with me with that,” he wrote.
“Thank you so much for your friendship, your inspiration, and trusting me to be your manager.”
WHAT WAS PATTEN’S CAUSE OF DEATH?
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten was riding a motorcycle on September 2 and died after a collision.
The S.C. Highway Patrol reported that the wreck involving Patten happened just after 9:30 p.m. on September 2 in the northeast part of Richland County, South Carolina.
Patten was on his motorcycle going west on Clemson Road and drove into the opposing lane, the patrol said.
According to the Highway Patrol, the three-time Super Bowl champ hit a sedan, which then sideswiped a van.
PATTEN’S FORMER AGENT
Mark Lepselter was Patten’s agent that the beginning of his career when he signed a modest contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2001.
“I remember him telling me, ‘If it’s a level playing field, I’ll win the job.’ That’s what he did,” Lepselter said.
“He was a three-time Super Bowl champion, and I have always felt he was an integral part of the foundation Coach Belichick and the Patriots began building 20-plus years ago. He was the ultimate never-say-never individual — truly remarkable perseverance.”
FANS RUSH TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to the wide receiver, posting photographs with him and footage of his best moments.
“Was the nicest, kindest person when we met him 2 yrs ago. Patriots legend, human legend,” one person wrote.
Another wrote: “RIP David Patten. An understated pillar of the Patriots dynasty and still only one of three players in the past 50 years to run, throw and pass for a touchdown in one game.”
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS RELEASES STATEMENT
The New Orleans Saints released a statement following news of Patten’s death.
The statement reads: “The New Orleans Saints are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Patten.
“While his tenure with the Saints was relatively short, he left an indelible mark on his teammates, coaches, and staff through his actions, words, and his infectious smile.
“He was a tenacious competitor and infused the locker room with leadership and a winning spirit that remains to this day.
“The thoughts and prayers of the Saints organization are with his family and countless friends.”
WHEN DID PATTEN RETIRE?
In July 2010, at the age of 37, Patten announced his retirement from professional football.
Dealing with injuries during his final years in the league, father time caught up to Patten, who still believed he could keep up physically with the sport.
But it was the mental challenge that led him to tell coach Bill Belichick he was retiring after four practices.
“This is in no way, shape, or form what I anticipated coming back here this year,” he said in 2010.
“I’m actually a little saddened that I’m proving some of the naysayers right this morning. Some felt I signed back with the team to retire, but that was not part of my thought process. I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level.
“I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation,” Patten added.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES PATTEN HAVE?
At the time of his death, Patten was married to his wife, Gailena.
According to ESPN, the couple reportedly had four children together.
In 2017, Patriots.com reported that one of Patten’s sons, Daquan, was a walk-on freshman wide receiver at Western Carolina.
‘BREAKS MY HEART’
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement: “It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic passing at such a young age.
“He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions.”
HOW LONG WAS PATTEN’S CAREER?
Patten played for five teams over a 12-year NFL career but is best known for his four seasons with the Patriots between 2001-2004.
The four year spell included two iconic catches to help New England capture its first Super Bowl win during the 2001 season.
When he retired during Patriots training camp in 2010, Patten described his time with the Patriots as the highlight of his career.
ROBERT KRAFT: ‘I’M HEARTBROKEN’
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement that he’s “heartbroken by the news of David’s passing.”
“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.”
WHAT HAPPENED?
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.
TOM BRADY PAYS TRIBUTE
Tom Brady mourned Patten’s passing in an Instagram post on Friday.
“The consummate professional,” Brady wrote on his Instagram story. “RIP my friend. My love goes out to David’s family.”
Patten was a three-time Super Bowl champion with Brady between 2001-04.
WHEN WAS PATTEN’S DEATH ANNOUNCED?
The news of Patten’s death hit social media on September 3.
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten was riding a motorcycle on September 2 and died after a collision.
The S.C. Highway Patrol reported that the wreck involving Patten happened just after 9:30 p.m. on September 2 in the northeast part of Richland County, South Carolina.
WHEN DID PATTEN SIGN WITH THE GIANTS?
After spending the rest of the 1996 season off the gridiron, Patten was signed by the New York Giants in March 1997.
Patten spent 13 seasons in the league, donning the uniforms of the Washington Football Team, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, NY Giants and Patriots.
COACH BELICHICK PRAISES PATTEN
At the time of his retirement, Belichick said Patten “meant a lot to the team.”
“He had a tremendous career. He’s meant a lot to this team,” Belichick said.
“Going back to ’01, when we were getting this program started, the toughness, the attitude, the leadership he brought to this football team in a sort of quiet Troy Brown-like way, he just did his job and worked hard, set the pace for everybody to keep up with.”
PATTEN’S STATEMENT ON HIS RETIREMENT
In July 2010, at the age of 37, Patten announced his retirement from professional football.
He said: “This is in no way, shape, or form what I anticipated coming back here this year,” he said in 2010.
“I’m actually a little saddened that I’m proving some of the naysayers right this morning. Some felt I signed back with the team to retire, but that was not part of my thought process. I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level.
“I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation,” Patten added.
WHAT COLLEGE DID PATTEN PLAY FOR?
Patten, 47, was a former wide receiver in the NFL who played college football at Western Carolina.
In 1996, Patten declared for the NFL Draft but went undrafted.
He began his professional career that summer when he signed with the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds.
CORONER CONFIRMS DEATH
On Friday, the Richland County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina reportedly confirmed that Patten tragically died yesterday at 9.35pm local time.
The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead at the scene and WLTX reported that person was identified as Patten.
PATTEN WON THREE SUPERBOWLS
During his time with the Patriots, Patten won three Super Bowls – XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX.
Patten also had stints at New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.
WHEN DID PATTEN ENTER THE NFL?
After spending the rest of the 1996 season off the gridiron, Patten was signed by the New York Giants in March 1997.
Patten spent 13 seasons in the league, donning the uniforms of the Washington Football Team, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, NY Giants and Patriots.
WHAT CAUSED PATTEN’S CRASH?
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten was riding a motorcycle on September 2 and died after a collision.
The S.C. Highway Patrol reported that the wreck involving Patten happened just after 9:30 p.m. on September 2 in the northeast part of Richland County, South Carolina.
Patten was on his motorcycle going west on Clemson Road and drove into the opposing lane, the patrol said.
According to the Highway Patrol, the three-time Super Bowl champ hit a sedan, which then sideswiped a van.
WHEN DID PATTEN RETIRE?
In July 2010, at the age of 37, Patten announced his retirement from professional football during summer training camp with the Patriots.
Dealing with injuries during his final years in the league, he decided he could no longer keep up with the demands of the sport.
“This is in no way, shape, or form what I anticipated coming back here this year,” he said in 2010.
“I’m actually a little saddened that I’m proving some of the naysayers right this morning. Some felt I signed back with the team to retire, but that was not part of my thought process. I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level.
“I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation,” Patten added.
PATTEN’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Patten played for five teams over a 12-year NFL career but is best known for his four seasons with the Patriots between 2001-2004.
The four-year spell included two iconic catches to help New England capture its first Super Bowl win during the 2001 season.
When he retired during the Patriots training camp in 2010, Patten described his time with the Patriots as the highlight of his career.