Former New England Patriots wide receiver David Patten, who won three Super Bowl championships with the franchise during his career, was killed in a motorcycle crash outside Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday, according to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye, a motorcycle driver, who was later 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 (h/t ESPN).
“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 spent 12 years in the NFL, playing for five teams including the Patriots from 2001-2004. Patten also played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Washington, finishing his career in 2008 with 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns..
