Former New England Patriot David Patten Passes Away at 47

Former New England Patriots receiver and 12-year NFL veteran David Patten died Thursday night, according to The State. He was 47.

Patten was riding a motorcycle at around 9:30 p.m. in Richland County, South Carolina when he drove into the opposing lane and collided with a sedan, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. The Richland County Coroner's office and highway patrol are currently investigating the death and accident.

An undrafted free agent out of Western Carolina in the 1996 NFL Draft, Patten found his way onto the New York Giants roster in 1997, before finding a home with the Patriots in 2001.

Patten made his mark in New England during his four-year stint with the team, hauling in 165 passes for 2,513 yards and 16 touchdowns. He won three Super Bowls with the team.

On Oct. 21, 2001 against the Indianapolis Colts, Patten became the eighth player in NFL history to run, catch and throw for a touchdown in a single game. In Super Bowl XXXVI later that season, Patten caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady, helping guide the Patriots to a 20-17 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Patten was Brady's go-to target that postseason, catching 13 passes for 154 yards and two scores.

Former Patriot teammates Richard Seymour and Deion Branch took to Twitter this morning to express their sadness and eulogies to Patten.