David Patten's journey through professional football is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born on August 19, 1974, in Hopkins, South Carolina, Patten attended Western Carolina University, where he played college football for the Catamounts. Despite not being drafted in the 1996 NFL Draft, Patten's determination led him to pursue opportunities in the Arena Football League with the Albany Firebirds, where he showcased his skills as a wide receiver.
In 1997, Patten's NFL career began when he signed with the New York Giants. Over the next three seasons, he played primarily as a wide receiver and contributed on special teams. His time with the Giants allowed him to develop his skills and gain valuable experience in the league.
Patten's career took a significant turn in 2001 when he joined the New England Patriots. Under head coach Bill Belichick, Patten became an integral part of the Patriots' offense. During the 2001 season, he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a spot in Super Bowl XXXVI. In that game, Patten caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady, contributing to the Patriots' victory over the St. Louis Rams. This win marked the beginning of a dynasty for the Patriots, and Patten's performance was a key element of their success.
Over the next few years, Patten continued to be a reliable target for Brady. He was part of the Patriots' roster during their Super Bowl victories in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, further solidifying his place in the team's history. Patten's ability to make important catches in critical moments made him a valuable asset to the Patriots' offense.
In 2005, Patten signed with the Washington Redskins, where he played for two seasons. Although his time with the Redskins was marred by injuries, he remained a respected veteran presence in the locker room. Patten's experience and leadership were valuable to the younger players on the team.
After his stint with the Redskins, Patten returned to the New Orleans Saints in 2007, a team he had briefly played for in 2004. During his time with the Saints, Patten continued to contribute as a wide receiver, providing depth and experience to the team's receiving corps.
In 2009, Patten rejoined the Cleveland Browns, where he had a brief tenure before announcing his retirement from professional football. Throughout his career, Patten was known for his work ethic, reliability, and ability to perform under pressure. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a three-time Super Bowl champion is a remarkable story of perseverance and achievement in the NFL.
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