Former Giants, Patriots wide receiver dead at 47

Former NFL wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion David Patten died on Thursday reportedly as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was 47.

According to ESPN, Sam Gordon, who had Patten as a client in his management firm, confirmed Patten’s death to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, saying he died in South Carolina.

The Richland County coroner confirmed Friday morning to The State newspaper that Patten was riding a motorcycle Thursday night and died after a collision.

Per The State:

“The S.C. Highway Patrol reported that the wreck involving Patten happened just after 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the northeast part of Richland County, on Clemson Road and near Old Clemson Road. Patten was on his motorcycle going west on Clemson Road and drove into the opposing lane, the patrol said. He hit a sedan, which then sideswiped a van, according to the patrol.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Patten died in the wreck. The coroner’s officer and the highway patrol are investigating the death and collision.”

“We are all very heartbroken,” said Gordon, who added that he had spoken with Patten’s wife Friday morning. “He was a man of God. He had his own ministry. He loved New England very much.”

The Hopkins, South Carolina, native played for five different NFL franchises across an 11-year career, including the New York Giants, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and the Washington Football Team.

Patten caught 324 passes for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns in 147 career appearances. He won three Super Bowls, all in his stint with New England.

Patten caught a crucial touchdown in the Patriots’ tight 20-17 win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Patten served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Western Carolina since the 2013 season.

Former teammate and fellow Hopkins, South Carolina, native Richard Seymour paid tribute to Patten on social media on Friday morning upon hearing the news.

“Heartbroken. Great man of God... lost for words,” Seymour tweeted.

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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.