Former New England Patriots wide receiver died today at 47 years of age. The following is the latest from the Boston Herald. You can find the complete article at BostonHerald.com

 

“Receiver David Patten, who was part of three Patriots Super Bowl wins, died Thursday, his agent confirmed to South Carolina’s The State newspaper.

 

Patten was 47. Details of his death weren’t shared.

 

Patten was with the Patriots from 2001-04. An underrated player for much of his career, he was a clutch performer and an integral part of that first championship in 2001.

 

During that run to the Patriots first Super Bowl win, Patten caught 8 passes for 107 yards in the Snow Bowl game against Oakland.

 

He caught the only touchdown pass (from Drew Bledsoe) in the AFC Championship game against the Steelers. He also accounted for the only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl win over the Rams, making a twisting catch on a Tom Brady pass in the end zone.

 

News of Patten’s passing brought a flood of tributes from former Patriots players, coaches and front office people.

 

Richard Seymour, who attended the same high school (Lower Richland High School in South Carolina) as Patten, expressed his grief on Twitter.

 

“Heartbroken great man of God… lost for words – David Patten,” Seymour wrote.

This came from Joe Andruzzi: “So sorry for the loss of a great teammate. Prayers to his entire family.”

 

And this from former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis: ‘Shocked and saddened about the sudden tragic death of David Patten. Excellent player, even better person. Family guy, team guy, devout Christian. Prayers all directed this way. RIP David. You will be sorely missed.’

Former player personnel head Scott Pioli also offered warm sentiments about Patten.”