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Bill Belichick, many other Patriots pay tribute to David Patten

Avatar photo By Matt Dolloff
03 Feb 2002: David Patten #86 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the St.Louis Rams during Superbowl XXXVI at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images

Patriots chairman Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick each released a statement on Friday in remembrance of former wide receiver David Patten, who passed away Thursday at the age of 47.

Patten played 12 seasons but is best known for his four-year run in New England from 2001-04, becoming one of Tom Brady’s first trusted targets and catching the Patriots’ only offensive touchdown in an upset win over the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Patten caught 13 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns during the ’01 Super Bowl run.

Read below for statements from Kraft and Belichick, along with remarks from several of Patten’s former teammates and other former Patriots figures.

  • Owner Robert Kraft

    “I am 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. His touchdown reception in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh propelled the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI and I’ll never forget his remarkable catch in the back of the end zone in that game. It was our only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl and secured our first championship in franchise history. Our sincerest sympathies are with his wife, Galiena, his family and all who are mourning David’s tragic and untimely death.”

  • Head Coach Bill Belichick

    “It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic passing at such a young age. 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. I especially appreciate David for his professional journey. As much as anyone, David epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds to not only earn a job in the NFL but to become a key player on multiple championship teams. I can speak for anyone who had the pleasure to be around David that his work ethic, positive energy and character were elite. My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Follow the New England Patriots and the National Football League at 985TheSportsHub.com.

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