Photo: Getty Images
According to multiple reports, former NFL wide receiver David Patten died at the age of 47 years old. A Twitter user by the name of Greg Moore Jr., who claims to be Patten's cousin, announced that the star receiver died last night in a motorcycle accident. However, the Patten family has not publicly confirmed this report.
"This week has sucked. First, my grandma passed [and] now I hear [that] my cousin, David Patten passed last night in a motorcycle accident. David was a Super Bowl-winning receiver for the Patriots during their first title run. He was always so good to me when I came and watched him play. R.I.P," Moore tweeted.
News of Patten's sudden death has shaken up the world of football in a major way. Many of his former competitors, teammates and coaches have taken to Twitter to send their condolences to the Patten family.
"[We] lost a local legend yesterday. David Patten played for my father at Lower Richland and went on to win a Super Bowl. He will be missed! [I am] praying for the Patten family," University of South Carolina Gamecocks Tight Ends Coach Erik Kimrey tweeted.
Patten was a key component of the New England Patriots' first three championship runs. He also played for the Cleveland Browns, Washington Football Team, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. After playing for more than a decade, Patten retired as a Patriot with 324 receptions, 4,715 yards and 24 receiving touchdowns. According to Patriots.com, Patten returned to Western Carolina University after his pro career, so that he could get a degree in social work while coaching his alma mater's football team.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.