(NEW YORK) — Former NFL wide receiver David Patten, three-time Super Bowl champion, died at the age of 47, his agent confirmed to ESPN.
The former New England Patriot passed away in South Carolina, his agent Sam Gordon said. No other details were immediately available.
“We are all very heartbroken,” Gordon said, adding that he had spoken with Patten’s widow.
Patten played for five teams in his 12-year career, but enjoyed most of his success with New England. He caught the only offensive touchdown for the Patriots in their first Super Bowl win, during the 2001 season.
He retired as a Patriot in 2010, calling his time in New England the highlight of his career.
Former teammates and coaches reacted to Patten’s death on social media Friday.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Great Player, but Most of All A Great Man, Mentor and Brother #LoveYou #ChiefChief https://t.co/BjUo0Kwbi6
— Deion Branch #83 #84 (@deionbranch84) September 3, 2021
Shocked and saddened about the sudden tragic death of David Patten. Excellent player, even better person. Family guy, team guy, devout Christian. Prayers all directed this way. RIP David. You will be sorely missed.
— Charlie Weis (@charlieweissr) September 3, 2021
“If there is one thing I want people to know about David,” Gordon said, “it’s that as great a player he was, he was a better man.”
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