David Patten passes away

d-hose

New Member
Sep 18, 2008
10
Man this sucks. I got to meet David as we are both alums of Western Carolina University. He came back to campus after winning the SB in '01 and I was a freshman. He was the nicest guy you ever want to meet. Kind, courteous, and willing to answer any questions.
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
 

Preacher

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SoSH Member
Jun 9, 2006
6,411
Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Holy crap I forgot about that game and had it confused with the game where Brady deked Urlacher. Huge heads up play in this one by Brady to knock the ball out of Robinson's hands as he was bobbling it on the near interception. Brady's sneak for a 1st down conversion on 4th and 3 with less than a minute left was an amazing push by the offensive line. Patten's catch barely getting both feet in at the back of the end zone to seal the win was amazing. What a game. Hard to believe that it was 19 years ago.
Seriously. I was a junior in college. Since then, I went to law school, met my wife, moved all around the world and I’m 7 years away from retirement. And Brady is still playing in the NFL.
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,086
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
So sorry for your loss. I hope that this thread would make him happy. He brought a lot of joy to a lot of hard luck Patriots fans.
 

Ralphwiggum

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2012
9,827
Needham, MA
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
Wow. Thanks for posting this and I am sorry for your loss. I’m an atheist but by all accounts David walked the walk with respect to his faith and I respect that greatly. Yhe world needs more religious people like David Patten.
 
Apr 24, 2019
1,278
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
I really appreciate you adding your experiences with Patten to this thread. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for the loss of what I imagine must be a pretty vast community in his midst. I'll say a prayer for him and his wife and kids, and you. Thanks for sharing.
 

Jimbodandy

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 31, 2006
11,406
around the way
Been bummed about this all day. Class act. One of the original 53, but a huge stone in the foundation of what we have enjoyed here for 20+ years. He was immense when it mattered. Sad for his family's loss. RIP 86.
 

WheresDewey

New Member
Nov 18, 2007
131
Taiwan
I'm saddened to learn of David Patten's death but heartened to read the loving testimonies here and learn that he made an even better life outside football. RIP.
 

Sille Skrub

Dope
Dope
SoSH Member
Mar 3, 2004
5,930
Massachusetts
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss.
 

Bergs

funky and cold
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2005
21,613
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
Thanks for this.
 

jaytftwofive

New Member
Jan 20, 2013
1,182
Drexel Hill Pa.
My cousin lives in Fall River(Where I grew up) and says David lived there a while when he played for the Pats. He met him a few times and said he was very nice. Most pro athletes aren't exactly the friendliest, but he was.
 

RedOctober3829

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
55,299
deep inside Guido territory
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
What a story and it’s something I’m not surprised about because David is that kind of person.
 

8slim

has trust issues
SoSH Member
Nov 6, 2001
24,829
Unreal America
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
My deepest condolences for your friend, and thank you for sharing.
 

gtmtnbiker

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
1,725
Some more details on the cause of accident:
The crash, which took place around 9:45pm on Thursday night, happened after Patten "traveled left of center" on the road and struck a Chevrolet Sedan, which then sideswiped a Honda, police report.

According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten died after a collision, while the driver of the Chevrolet was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/3595024/david-patten-patriots-death-cause-accident/
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,086
I liked this summary of some of his best moments in a Patriots' uniform.

https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2021/09/03/david-patten-best-patriots-moments/?p1=hp_secondary

I had forgotten how great he was in the Divisional Round come from behind win in the snow vs. Oakland. 8 catches for 107 yards all of which came in the 2nd half or overtime and included a couple of big 3rd and 4th down conversions. In my memory I had Wiggins as the best Patriots receiver that night (probably recency bias as he was targeted heavily in OT) but in retrospect Patten was nails in that game.

I remember watching that game with my girlfriend (now my wife) at my parents house. My father made a feast and the game was such a roller coaster. The 30 mile drive back to my apartment in Portland that night was a bit hairy as I think it was still snowing heavily. Good times, good memories.
 

Smiling Joe Hesketh

Throw Momma From the Train
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SoSH Member
May 20, 2003
35,734
Deep inside Muppet Labs
David was a friend of mine. I am a Boston transplant living in SC and a lifelong Pats fan (almost 50 yrs old). I only know David (or knew him ... I can't believe it) because I saw him across a local Lowe's and approached him to thank him for the joy he brought us all during the first dynasty. It turned out we were near neighbors. He was so gracious and generous that he invited me over to check out his Super Bowl rings. Over the years since, I got to know him and his family well, and I want you all to know that you were rooting back then for one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. My heart his broken for his family. They were so close. If you pray, pray for his wife of many years and his four children -- David was a devout Christian and it would have made him happy. (And if you're not religious or belong to another faith he wouldn't judge you ... he just wasn't like that.) The world is a worse place today than it was yesterday.
Thank you for sharing this, I am so sorry for the passing of your friend. It’s a relief to learn that a sports hero of ours is a good human for once; so many of them aren’t. I’m even sadder at his passing now.
 

Jeff Van GULLY

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2005
4,029
Was reading an old Courant article about Patten from 2002 and details his path to the NFL. Pretty incredible guy.

Patten was one of the feel-good stories on last season's Patriots. Undrafted coming out of Western Carolina in 1995, he labored as an electrician's helper, a landscaper, and loading 70-pound sacks of coffee beans into 18-wheelers for about the same hourly wage you could earn at Burger King.

He caught the attention of a Giants scout at an open tryout in South Carolina, and played for the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League before joining the Giants. After three years as a Giants reserve, Patten caught 38 passes for a bad Browns team in 2000.
 

Rheal With Cheese

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 8, 2004
112
Not only a clutch 4th down catch on 4th and 4 on the game winning drive in the snow bowl/tuck rule game, but he clearly didn't get as scared or as distracted by the diving Wiggins as I did watching it on TV. RIP Mr Patten.
 

Al Zarilla

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Dec 8, 2005
58,878
San Andreas Fault
One of those thread titles that you have to read three times to believe. One of the most athletic receivers we've ever had, and, according to those that knew him, a great guy.