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Remembering the Patriot: David Patten

By Connor Fulton

Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A New England Patriots helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A New England Patriots helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Patten Patriots
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A New England Patriots helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome to another edition of Musket Fire’s Remembering the Patriot series in which the writer draws a random 21st century New England Patriots player from memory and remembers his contributions to the franchise. This morning, we’re taking a look back at the career of former Patriots wide receiver David Patten.

Before coming to the Patriots in 2001 free agency, Patten spent three years with the New York Giants, playing primarily as a kick returner for the G-Men. The Cleveland Browns swooped in and signed Patten for the 2000 season; he caught 38 passes for 546 yards and a score that season, proving to the NFL that he can be used in set offense.

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Once Patten joined the Pats, he became an integral part of their aerial attack. In the 2001 season, Patten set then-career highs in receptions (51), yards (749) and touchdowns (four) only to improve in all those areas the following season with 61 receptions for 824 yards and five touchdowns.

Patten starred in the Patriots’ 2001 playoff run, accumulating 154 yards on 13 receptions with a touchdown catch in the AFC Championship Game as well as Super Bowl XXXVI. The image of Patten twisting and turning to nab his Super Bowl catch will always endure in Patriots fan lore.

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Unfortunately, an injury-ravaged 2003 season limited Patten to just 140 yards receiving on nine catches. He bounced back in 2004, collecting his third Super Bowl ring in four seasons and contributing 44 receptions, 800 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in the regular season.

Patten departed New England in the 2004 offseason, spending two seasons each with the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints before calling it quits at the end of 2008.

In case you missed them, here are recent installments in our Remembering the Patriot series.

Remembering the Patriot: FS Eugene Wilson

Remembering the Patriot: DT Ted Washington

Remembering the Patriot: RB Antowain Smith

Next: 5 Under-the-radar free agents Pats should consider

Be sure to check back tomorrow morning as we remember the career of former Patriots running back J.R. Redmond.

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